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Birdie Brae

A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer

The Workshop · Tool № 11

Booking Window Tracker

When and how to secure a tee time at Scotland's top courses — ballot systems, written applications, and open visitor days.

Championship and top visitor courses — updated for 2026. A curated list, not a full directory.

18 courses

Fife

Booking window

2-day advance ballot

Book online →

Notes

Daily ballot opens at 14:00 two days prior. Singles and groups apply separately.

Course profile →
MuirfieldApplication

East Lothian

Booking window

Written application required

Notes

Apply in writing to the secretary. Visitor days Tuesday and Thursday only.

Course profile →
Royal Troon Old CourseMembers + Visitors

Ayrshire

Booking window

Book via club

Book online →

Notes

Visitor days Tuesday and Thursday. Handicap certificate required (24 men, 36 women).

Course profile →

Angus

Booking window

Up to 2 years ahead

Book online →

Notes

Online booking available. Handicap certificate required (28 men, 36 women).

Course profile →

Highlands

Booking window

Up to 12 months

Book online →

Notes

Online booking. No formal handicap requirement — recommend 24 or better.

Course profile →

Perthshire

Booking window

Hotel guests priority; public from 10 days

Book online →

Notes

Public tee times released 10 days ahead. Hotel guests have earlier access.

Course profile →

Fife

Booking window

6–12 months recommended

Book online →

Notes

Online booking. Peak season fills fast — book as early as possible.

Course profile →

Ayrshire

Booking window

Hotel guests priority; public available

Book online →

Notes

Non-guests can book, but hotel guests get preference. Check availability online.

Course profile →

East Lothian

Booking window

Up to 3 months

Book online →

Notes

Online booking. Summer mornings fill quickly — book as soon as window opens.

Course profile →

East Lothian

Booking window

Book well ahead

Book online →

Notes

Online booking via gullanegolfclub.com. Summer availability tighter than Nos. 2 and 3.

Course profile →
Prestwick Golf ClubMembers + Visitors

Ayrshire

Booking window

Visitor days Mon/Wed/Fri

Notes

Visitor days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Contact club directly.

Course profile →

Fife

Booking window

2-day advance ballot

Book online →

Notes

Same ballot system as Old Course. Usually easier to win.

Course profile →

Fife

Booking window

Online booking up to 7 days

Book online →

Notes

Online booking via standrews.com. No ballot required.

Course profile →
Royal Aberdeen BalgownieMembers + Visitors

Aberdeenshire

Booking window

Weekdays only; book via club

Book online →

Notes

Visitors welcome on weekdays. Handicap certificate required (24 men, 36 women). Contact pro shop.

Course profile →

Aberdeenshire

Booking window

Book well ahead for peak season

Book online →

Notes

Online booking available. One of the north-east's finest links — fills up quickly in summer.

Course profile →

East Lothian

Booking window

Book via club

Book online →

Notes

Visitors welcome most days. Contact the club or book online via their website.

Course profile →
Western GailesMembers + Visitors

Ayrshire

Booking window

Visitor days Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Notes

Visitors on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. Handicap certificate required. Contact secretary.

Course profile →

Highlands

Booking window

Up to 12 months

Book online →

Notes

Online booking available. Championship links — book ahead for July and August.

Course profile →