Old Course Ballot

Golfers who have not secured an Old Course tee time in advance may still have the opportunity to play through the Old Course Daily Ballot.

The ballot is drawn two days before play (except Fridays, as the Old Course is closed on Sundays). For example, entries for Wednesday are submitted on Monday, while entries for Monday are submitted on Saturday.

To enter, golfers must provide their name, home golf club and handicap (maximum 36 for men and women). A ballot entry can include either 2, 3 or 4 golfers, with entries closing at 2pm, and results usually available by 4pm. You cannot enter the main ballot as a single golfer. There is a different system in place at St Andrews for single golfers who are not travelling as part of a group. We are happy to design itineraries and packages for single golfers; if this is of interest, please enquire HERE.

For any clients who book a golf tour through our company, Links Golf St Andrews are happy to manage the ballot process on their behalf to ensure a seamless experience. The Old Course ballot is an official and fair system employed by the St Andrews Links, therefore if our clients are unsuccessful, we would assist with arranging alternative golf on one of the many courses in the local area.

Availability via the ballot varies throughout the time of year. Shoulder season months are generally quieter, while late May, June and July offer longer daylight hours. Therefore, it is hard to advise which time of year presents the best opportunity as there are many variables. The ballot is sometimes referred to as the “Old Course Lottery”.

Securing Your Guaranteed Old Course Tee Time

Links Golf St Andrews are an Authorised Provider of guaranteed Old Course tee times. Please note that all of our Old Course tee times for 2026 are now allocated apart from space for 4 golfers on the October St Andrews Golf Week.

For golfers wishing to plan further ahead, bookings are now available for 2027 (limited) and 2028 golf tours, which includes guaranteed Old Course tee times. Please get in touch with the Links Golf team here to discuss your St Andrews golf tour and Old Course tee time – Contact Us

Please note that demand for Old Course tee times in 2027 is expected to be particularly high due to The Open Championship returning to St Andrews and many dates are already restricted. In addition, the Old Course will be closed for an extended period during the second half of June through to the last week of July, reducing overall tee time availability throughout the season.

Places are still available on our St Andrews Golf Week events October 2026 and April/October 2027, which include guaranteed play on the Old Course. Find out more about the St Andrews Golf Week here: St Andrews Golf Week