Playing the Old Course Solo...

T

TigerTime

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 24, 2020
Messages
385
Location
Scotland
Visit site
Basically, I've never played the Old Course. All of my golfing buddies have and don't want to pay the fees again which is fair enough. This year is the year. I have some time off work around Masters week, so was planning on entering the ballot, however I can see it's for two players only. Which leaves me with the question, is it possible to play solo? I'm not sure I'd be willing to drive to St. Andrews and sit in the car overnight, be absolutely knackered and have a *** round of golf because of that.

Or if anyone wants to enter the ballot with me feel free!
 
I first time I played it, I stayed at a hotel l, went to bed early, got up really early and got to the starters hut at 05.45. I was second in the queue.
They opened at 06.30, and put me out first with a queuing two ball and a guy behind me. Sorted. And shot an 82 without going in a single bunker.
That was over the Easter period, and can imagine summer is a lot busier.
Second time I played it was with members who got me on with their points.
Good luck, and hopefully you get on.
 
Last edited:
I think your only option is to queue up at the starters hut, chances of getting on will be pretty good at this time of year.
 
As above, they will normally join you up. Having a caddy or 2 in the group can also add to the enjoyment, though setting the arrangement parameters is advisable.
 
Bratty said:
I first time I played it, I stayed at a hotel l, went to bed early, got up really early and got to the starters hut at 05.45. I was second in the queue.
They opened at 06.30, and put me out first with a queuing two ball and a guy behind me. Sorted. And shot an 82 without going in a single bunker.
That was over the Easter period, and can imagine summer is a lot busier.
Second time I played it was with members who got me on with their points.
Good luck, and hopefully you get on.
Click to expand...

I might just do that. I'm planning on going on the 7th or 10th if possible. Might just even stay home and get up at 3am.
 
If you want to camp out and wait you will need to be there fairly early when it’s summer as some folk will pitch up in the evening before (6pm) and wait it out ( this was out of the starters mouth only a week ago)

Good luck with it as it is a magical experience
 
Thinking the Friday or Monday around Masters weekend would be my best bet. The website doesn't have those dates as busy days. Other option is to use the site posted above but not sure how legit it is, and of course theres no guarantees in the ballot.
 
I would suggest there are no guarantees as a single golfer, but the best chance is to get there around 05.30 or so. Shouldn't be crazy busy the Monday... but that might mean missing the Masters! 🤣
 
I've always been interested in doing this. Do you literally have to join the queue with your clubs ready to go, or will they tell you what time you are out?
 
Captainron said:
If you want to camp out and wait you will need to be there fairly early when it’s summer as some folk will pitch up in the evening before (6pm) and wait it out ( this was out of the starters mouth only a week ago)

Good luck with it as it is a magical experience
Click to expand...

I arrived at 6pm and was 4th in the queue — if you rock-up at 3am you’ll likely be in the high 20s in the queue going on my experience (last summer in the middle of a hot + sunny spell)

Maybe a cloudy April day will get far less demand..
 
evemccc said:
I arrived at 6pm and was 4th in the queue — if you rock-up at 3am you’ll likely be in the high 20s in the queue going on my experience (last summer in the middle of a hot + sunny spell)

Maybe a cloudy April day will get far less demand..
Click to expand...
Is there an etiquette in the queue? Like if you arrive at 6pm is your spot saved and you can just wander into town and get some tea?
Or do you have to stay in it?
 
Bobthesock said:
I've always been interested in doing this. Do you literally have to join the queue with your clubs ready to go, or will they tell you what time you are out?
Click to expand...
I went at 05.45 with clubs ready. I have heard some people arrive that early and not play until 12.45 or later. But you can go and get breakfast, go to the range. Walk some of the course to get a feel for it and then head back for your tee time.
 
Bratty said:
I went at 05.45 with clubs ready. I have heard some people arrive that early and not play until 12.45 or later. But you can go and get breakfast, go to the range. Walk some of the course to get a feel for it and then head back for your tee time.
Click to expand...
I should also have said that once they give you your tee time, you're in!
 
evemccc said:
I arrived at 6pm and was 4th in the queue — if you rock-up at 3am you’ll likely be in the high 20s in the queue going on my experience (last summer in the middle of a hot + sunny spell)

Maybe a cloudy April day will get far less demand..
Click to expand...

6pm! What did you do for 12 hours? What happens if you need a wee? I can’t imagine playing very well if I’ve been waiting in line all night.
 
golfempire said:
The latter. They usually have x amount of times throughout the day for the walk ups. First in the queue gets first choice of tee time etc...
Click to expand...

So you can queue up all night, choose a late tee time when the hut opens at 6am, then go to bed for a few hours?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Old Course Singles Ballot
Replies
12
Views
1K
Smokey Lomcevak
S
rystaman
St Andrews Discontinues 3-Day Unlimited Pass
2 3
Replies
51
Views
838
Doon frae Troon
D
SwingsitlikeHogan
H4H - St Andrews Old Course AIG Women’s Open Tournament Player Course Planner - Unused
Replies
0
Views
470
SwingsitlikeHogan
SwingsitlikeHogan
Billysboots
How is your course shaping up after winter and the dry spring?
3 4 5
Replies
96
Views
1K
wjemather
wjemather
D
Which Course to Play at St Andrews (not Old Course)
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
williamalex1
williamalex1
Top