How to Plan Your St Andrews Old Course Golf Trip ⛳
St Andrews, Scotland - The Home of Golf
Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is a pilgrimage every golfer dreams about. Walking the same fairways as Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, crossing the iconic Swilcan Bridge, and putting on the 18th green in front of the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse — it's bucket-list golf at its finest.
But with a lottery system for tee times, limited accommodation during peak season, and the unpredictable Scottish weather, planning a St Andrews trip requires preparation. Whether you're going with your foursome or a larger group, this is your complete guide to making your St Andrews Old Course experience unforgettable.
1. Summary
Location
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Best Time to Visit
May - September (peak season, book 12+ months ahead)
Old Course Tee Time System
Ballot system (enter 48 hours in advance) or book 1 year ahead
Green Fee
£270-£295 per round (peak season, 2025 rates)
2. About the Old Course at St Andrews
The Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world, dating back to the 15th century. It's hosted The Open Championship 30 times (as of 2024) and is considered the spiritual home of golf.
- 🏌️ Par 72, measuring 6,721 yards from the championship tees
- 🌊 True links golf - firm turf, deep bunkers, coastal winds
- 🏛️ Iconic landmarks: Swilcan Bridge, Hell Bunker, Road Hole
- 📜 Public course - anyone can play (with advance booking)
- 🎯 No two rounds are the same due to wind and pin positions
💡 Fun Fact: The Old Course shares double greens with the outward and inward nines playing to the same putting surface (except the 1st, 9th, 17th, and 18th). These massive greens can be over an acre in size!
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4. Getting There
By Air + Car/Train
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 1 hour drive or 2 hours by train/bus
- ✈️ Most international flights arrive through Edinburgh or Glasgow
- 🚗 Rent a car for flexibility (parking available in town)
- 🚂 Direct trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars (5 min to St Andrews)
- 🚌 Bus services connect Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews
Getting Around St Andrews
St Andrews is a small town — you can walk everywhere. The Old Course is a 10-15 minute walk from the town center. Most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance of the courses.
5. Expected Weather
Scotland's weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in a single round. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
St Andrews Weather (Summer: May - September)
Temperature: 50-65°F (10-18°C) with occasional warmer days up to 70°F
Conditions: Partly cloudy with frequent wind. Rain possible any day, but typically brief showers. Wind is the biggest factor — gusts can reach 20-30 mph.
What to Pack
- ☔Waterproof jacket — essential for Scottish weather
- 🧥Layered clothing — base layer, mid-layer, windproof outer
- ⛳Extra golf balls — the wind and pot bunkers are unforgiving
- 🧢Cap and sunscreen — yes, even in Scotland
- 👟Waterproof golf shoes — the course can get damp
- 🎒Carry or small cart bag — walking is traditional (caddies available)
6. Booking Your Tee Time - The Old Course System
Securing a tee time on the Old Course is part of the adventure. There are three main ways to play:
Option 1: Advance Booking (Recommended)
Book exactly 1 year in advance through the St Andrews Links website.
- ✅ Most reliable way to guarantee your tee time for peak season
- 📅 Booking opens at midnight UK time exactly 365 days before
- 💳 Credit card required to secure booking
- ⚠️ Popular dates (weekends, summer) book out within minutes
Option 2: Daily Ballot
Enter the daily lottery by 2 PM (UK time) two days before you want to play.
- 🎰 Free to enter, results announced around 4 PM
- 📧 Apply online via St Andrews Links website or in person at the Links Clubhouse
- 🤞 Success rate varies — higher chance in shoulder season (April, October)
- 👥 Singles and twosomes have better odds than foursomes
Option 3: Play Packages & Tour Operators
Book through authorized golf tour operators who have reserved tee times.
- ✅ Guaranteed tee times on Old Course + other courses
- 🏨 Often includes accommodation, transfers, and additional rounds
- 💰 More expensive but hassle-free
- 🔗 Popular operators: PerryGolf, Golf Vacations UK, Links Golf St Andrews
⚠️ Important: The Old Course is closed on Sundays to allow the course to rest. Plan your visit accordingly. Some other St Andrews courses are also closed on Sundays.
7. Budgeting: What Will It Cost?
A St Andrews golf trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here's what to budget for a typical 4-day / 3-night trip:
Old Course Green Fee
Single round (peak season)
£270 - £295
Additional Courses
Castle Course, New Course, Jubilee (2-3 rounds)
£150 - £250
Caddie (Optional)
Highly recommended for Old Course
£60 - £80
Flights
Round-trip to Edinburgh
$400 - $1,200
Accommodation
3 nights (guesthouse/hotel per person)
£300 - £600
Food & Drinks
Pubs, restaurants, post-round pints
£200 - £400
Transportation
Car rental or train/bus
£100 - £200
Club Rental (if needed)
Per round
£50 - £80
Estimated Total
Per person, 4 days
$1,800 - $3,500
💡 Pro Tip: Book accommodation and flights 6-12 months in advance for better rates. Consider staying in a vacation rental with your group to split costs. Playing weekday rounds is slightly cheaper than weekends.
8. Golf Trip Tips & Tricks
Making the most of your St Andrews pilgrimage? Here's insider advice from those who've done it:
🎯 Hire a Caddie
Even if you never use a caddie at home, get one for the Old Course. The course is quirky with blind shots, hidden bunkers, and massive double greens. A good caddie is worth their weight in gold. Book your caddie when you reserve your tee time.
⛳ Play Other St Andrews Courses
St Andrews Links has 7 courses total. The Castle Course, New Course, and Jubilee Course are all excellent and easier to book. Playing these first helps you get a feel for links golf and the local conditions before tackling the Old Course.
📸 Take the Photo on Swilcan Bridge
Everyone does it, so you should too. The Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole is one of golf's most iconic photo spots. Your caddie or playing partners will happily snap the picture. Don't rush it — savor the moment.
🍺 Visit The Dunvegan Pub
Post-round tradition: head to The Dunvegan (or The Jigger Inn) for a pint and to swap stories with fellow golfers. These pubs are institution among St Andrews pilgrims. You'll meet people from all over the world who just played the Old Course.
🎒 Walk the Course
Carts aren't available on the Old Course (except for medical reasons). Walking is part of the experience. The course is relatively flat, so it's not too demanding. Bring a lightweight bag or use a push cart if needed.
🏛️ Visit The British Golf Museum
Located right next to the Old Course, the British Golf Museum is a must-visit for golf history buffs. Allow 1-2 hours to explore 500+ years of golf history. Great for a rest day or rainy afternoon.
🌅 Play Early or Late
Scotland has long daylight hours in summer (until 10 PM in June). Early morning and late afternoon rounds often have better conditions and fewer crowds. Plus, the light is magical for photos.
🛍️ Budget for the Pro Shop
The St Andrews Links Pro Shop has incredible Old Course merchandise. You'll want to bring home a polo, hat, or ball marker to commemorate your round. Trust us, budget for this — the temptation is real.
9. What Else to Do in St Andrews
St Andrews is more than just golf. It's a historic university town with medieval ruins, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants.
🏰 St Andrews Castle & Cathedral
Explore the medieval ruins overlooking the sea. The castle has underground tunnels and a bottle dungeon. The cathedral was once Scotland's largest building. Both offer stunning coastal views.
🏖️ West Sands Beach
The famous beach from "Chariots of Fire." Great for a morning walk or run before your round. On sunny days, it's perfect for relaxation between rounds.
🥃 Whisky Tasting
While St Andrews doesn't have its own distillery, several pubs and shops offer extensive whisky selections. Try a flight of Scottish single malts one evening. The St Andrews Whisky Shop is excellent.
🍽️ Dining Recommendations
- The Seafood Ristorante - Fine dining with harbor views
- Forgan's - Upscale pub with great atmosphere
- The Adamson - Contemporary Scottish cuisine
- Tailend Restaurant - Best fish and chips in town
- Jannettas Gelateria - Legendary ice cream shop
🏫 University of St Andrews
Scotland's oldest university (founded 1413). Walk through the historic quad, visit the university chapel, or grab coffee at one of the student cafes. The town has a vibrant student atmosphere.
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