Getting on the Old Course

[Canfordhacker]

Planning a trip to Scotland next May and hoping to include the Old Course as the centrepiece. Appreciate I've missed the September ballot, but I believe there is another one January.

Is that the best way to get in? Don't want to risk the daily ballot. Either 4 or 8 of us going, can have some flexibility on the dates at the moment.


Any advice from those in the know much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Hacker Khan]

I have a work colleague who lives about a 6 iron away from the Old Course. And he has absolutely no interest in golf whatsoever. He'll casually mention that he gets asked to play the course but he always says no, and sometimes takes delight in sending me photos of the old course in the snow, or in the evening with no one on it. Kind of makes you sick.

Anyway, sorry for not answering your question directly. I did look at one stage for a golf break and worked out that you can either get on by the ballot in September, by paying a vast amount of money to the official companies based in Japan and the US that can get you tee times or by putting your name down in the local ballot they have 48 hours in advance. I think single golfers can also turn up on the day, but that's probably not of any use to you.

Other more knowledgeable opinions are more than likely to be available.

 

[pbrown7582]

I got lucky in the September ballot and there is another tee release in January, this I assume will
Be for the times allocated and not paid for, as you have to have 2 courses I guess some
Don't read this and pull out due to finances. If there are 8 of you I would suggest this route rather than gambling getting on in the 48hr ballot for the remaining times.

 

[richart]

I got a guaranteed time for next week, by buying a three day ticket. Three consecutive rounds, and you have to book three nights accommodation in St Andrews itself. Three rounds can include Old, New, Jubilee, and Castle. We also got to choose our tee off times, so off at 10.30 each day which gives time for breakfast, and hitting a few balls at the range. Perfect.:thup:

Cost was £220 for October, and you get vouchers worth £15 to spend in the clubhouse. Last two weeks in October is a good time to play, Shoulder period when it is discounted, no mats, and the courses are in good condition. Just need the Scottish weather to be kind.:mmm:

 

[upsidedown]

I got a guaranteed time for next week, by buying a three day ticket. Three consecutive rounds, and you have to book three nights accommodation in St Andrews itself. Three rounds can include Old, New, Jubilee, and Castle. We also got to choose our tee off times, so off at 10.30 each day which gives time for breakfast, and hitting a few balls at the range. Perfect.:thup:

Cost was £220 for October, and you get vouchers worth £15 to spend in the clubhouse. Last two weeks in October is a good time to play, Shoulder period when it is discounted, no mats, and the courses are in good condition. Just need the Scottish weather to be kind.:mmm:

Have you a link for that richart please?

 

[richart]

Have you a link for that richart please?

I do

www.standrews.org.uk/Play/How-to-book Then go to Booking the Old Course, click on 'find out more' then Play and Save this winter. Bookings being taken for this winter and next. I booked up this years golf in October end of last year from memory, so you may need to wait for different months to become available, but worth checking site regularily. Great deal if you are staying at St Andrews. We added Carnoustie at a reasonable four ball rate as well.

 

[richart]

If you click on winter golf 2014, and then on booking guidelines it gives you the rates. October when we are going, next year is £225, so just a £5 rise.

 

[upsidedown]

Cheers :thup:

 

[AyrshireGolfer]

What date and time is the ballot in January?

 

[LIG]

What date and time is the ballot in January?

To be announced on the St Andrews website later - probably after the November deadline for current tee time 'winners' to pay up. HTH