Hoping to play the Old Course

[PuttPuttSteve]

I'll be in St Andrews 14th, 15th and 16th June and, as a single golfer, will need to join the queue at the Old Pavillion and hope to get a round - unless anyone fancies joining me in the daily ballot.

My question is, what time will I need to arrive at the Old Pavillion to stand a good chance of getting a game?

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Quite early at that time of year. Depending how badly you want to play it, the earlier to make sure. I would suggest getting there around 3-4am to be sure. It's also worth checking the ballot results to see how many likely spaces there will be, no point turning up if all the groups are 4balls.

Good luck, it's a fantastic experience!

 

[sawtooth]

About 4.00am at a guess.

Good luck it's still something on my bucket list.

 

[Foxholer]

First time (of 5 so far) I played it (the weekend of their Autumn comp and immediately before it was to be closed for 4 weeks to prepare for the Dunhill Champs) I decided I couldn't depend on an 'early' arrival and only spent a few hours in the B&B and arrived at 02:30! I wasn't the first there!! But that was a bit unusual.

Provided there is no special comp on, then a few hours later should guarantee a slot! And if you are a bit late on 14th, then you can always adjust on the later days - having played the New or Jubilee as compensation! The guys in the Starter's shed will be happy to advise you. And hire a Caddy! Well worth the cost first time!

 

[davidg2010uk]

I planned to head down at 6AM only to be told at reception in my hotel there would be no point as they had already been taking people down for a couple of hours! 4AM is probably about right in height of summer.

 

[PuttPuttSteve]

Thanks for the replies. I'll get there at 4am on the first day - assuming the forecast isn't dire. That way I've still got a couple of days in reserve if it doesn't work out. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play Ladybank as well.

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Hope you get on, I agree with Foxholer, have a caddy you will enjoy the round so much more.

 

[PuttPuttSteve]

Hope you get on, I agree with Foxholer, have a caddy you will enjoy the round so much more.

I'll definitely get a caddy because, as you say, it'll make the round more enjoyable - plus he (or she) will be carrying and cleaning the clubs

 

[Albanach]

Good info here

http://www.graylynloomis.com/getting-a-tee-time-on-the-old-course/

 

[WillC]

Really didn't know it was like that! Thought you just had to book a few months in advance, over the phone, and they tell you when the course is open, and when there are times, you pay your £150 or whatever it is and that's that!

Definitely number 1 on the bucket list of courses to play for me. I should add 'realistic' courses, as I won't ever get the chance to play Augusta!

 

[Crazyface]

Go and play Carnoustie instead. St Andrews....pah! I don't wait in a queue for a pint.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Go and play Carnoustie instead. St Andrews....pah! I don't wait in a queue for a pint.

Many would argue that Carnoustie is a better course but it isn't a better 'experience' and maybe that is what the OP is after.

 

[WillC]

Many would argue that Carnoustie is a better course but it isn't a better 'experience' and maybe that is what the OP is after.

I'd love to play them both, but 'Home of Golf'! Can't beat it.

 

[PuttPuttSteve]

Good info here

http://www.graylynloomis.com/getting-a-tee-time-on-the-old-course/

Thanks for the link - very useful.

 

[Liverbirdie]

Thanks for the replies. I'll get there at 4am on the first day - assuming the forecast isn't dire. That way I've still got a couple of days in reserve if it doesn't work out. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to play Ladybank as well.

Get there at 3.45, everyone always thinks on the hour (or half hour), 15 minutes earlier could mean 2-3 hours less waiting on the day.

I got there at 6.45 in October and was 6th in the queue, and was out by about 9.10. The fella who was 1st in the queue (3am) was out at 8.10. It was October, though.

 

[PuttPuttSteve]

Get there at 3.45, everyone always thinks on the hour (or half hour), 15 minutes earlier could mean 2-3 hours less waiting on the day.

I got there at 6.45 in October and was 6th in the queue, and was out by about 9.10. The fella who was 1st in the queue (3am) was out at 8.10. It was October, though.

Good thinking Batman . . . I'll set the alarm accordingly and try to remember not to sample too many single malts the night before!

 

[JohnF]

We played the Old Course last month, we asked the guy in the starter's hut what's it like to turn up and try and get on. He said 03:00 to defo guarantee a time in June, July, August.

 

[Duckster]

We played the Old Course last month, we asked the guy in the starter's hut what's it like to turn up and try and get on. He said 03:00 to defo guarantee a time in June, July, August.

I'm there for the last week of July with bro-in-law. Got games paid for on New and Jubilee, but going to try the ballot for the Old on Monday or Tuesday. If we don't get in through that, I would have only aimed to get to the starters hut for about 5am but after reading this thread it'll be a 2.30 alarm and head straight down!

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Unfortunately, there isn't really any way of making yourself comfortable while queuing, lack of benches to sit on. Maybe you can lie out on the putting green

 

[Foxholer]

I'm there for the last week of July with bro-in-law. Got games paid for on New and Jubilee, but going to try the ballot for the Old on Monday or Tuesday. If we don't get in through that, I would have only aimed to get to the starters hut for about 5am but after reading this thread it'll be a 2.30 alarm and head straight down!

The 'good' news is that having queued and established your position, then 'booked' it with the Starter, he will most likely be able to give you a time to actually turn up 'armed' for the round - so you actually are able to get breakfast and possibly have a kip! Leaning against the hut is not the best way to prepare yourself otherwise!