I’m looking for tips on booking a tee time on the old course maybe early fall next year (2020) for me and my father. This is at the top of his bucket list (mine too) but he isn’t getting any younger.

My initial research into this has been confusing with lots of conflicting information and I don’t want to get scammed. If anyone has navigated this process I’d love to get solid advice.

Is the fall a good time to play there?
If not, what’s the best time of year to go outside of peak tourist season?
Best package deals including airfare, hotel, and green fees?
Best way to secure a legitimate tee time and date?

I will be your caddie for room, board, airfare and few drams of Irish Whiskey.

I have. And plan to book again in 2020. You should go to playstandrews.com to book with the Links Trust... I think they now have an option called Private Advance tee times... it opens in August. The process is a little different from when
I last tried to book.

You submit a set of dates you'd like to play the Old Course, submit them online and they notify you a month or so later if any of your dates worked out. Times are NOT guaranteed by submitting the application.

We played five years ago in October during the shoulder season. It is always chilly in Scotland but October isn't like winter here in New England. Dress in sweaters and wear long underwear... I had Footjoy stuff and it felt very comfortable in 45 degree weather. Waterproof jacket and pants are a must.

You have "buy" two courses if you want to book the Old Course...we chose The Castle. BEAUTIFUL but insanely hard to play, so be forewarned.

We tried to book the Old in September last year but none of our dates were accepted. September is club championship season on The Old. So we played North Berwick, Prestwick and went out to Islay as well. But I have made it my mission to play the Old again as it was the best golf experience I ever had. Shot 92... not nearly my best but still the best day of golf. TAKE A CADDY. You will enjoy it more.

We did not consider any of the packages or tours on offer. Seemed really expensive. But if you are looking for a guaranteed time, that may be the route to go.

I did. First thing to know, all of the courses are public parks.

The majority of the times are held by the R&A. If you are good friends with a member you have a shot.

Or a legal resident of "The Royal Burgh of St Andrews" a rate payer they have access.


Other than that there is a lottery or draw for times. You can call a few days in advance and put your. Name in.

I played as a walk on. Go to the starters box and have him put your name on the list. If there is an opening they call join up and off you go.


Slainthe.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I will be your caddie for room, board, airfare and few drams of Irish Whiskey.

Take a number, smschultz! LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by filipows:
I did. First thing to know, all of the courses are public parks.

The majority of the times are held by the R&A. If you are good friends with a member you have a shot.

Or a legal resident of "The Royal Burgh of St Andrews" a rate payer they have access.


Other than that there is a lottery or draw for times. You can call a few days in advance and put your. Name in.

I played as a walk on. Go to the starters box and have him put your name on the list. If there is an opening they call join up and off you go.


Slainthe.

I wish I could afford to pay the plane fare and go there and hope to be a “walk on” or win the lottery a few days in advance. Not to mention my Dad would flip his shit if he was in Scotland only to be denied a round at St. Andrews. Things would get as ugly as a boiled owl!

Can't help you with the particulars, but will mention that my father was an avid golfer who made a point of playing some of the great courses here in the states, and wherever he traveled. St. Andrews was one of them, and he loved it. Have fun if you make it.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I will be your caddie for room, board, airfare and few drams of Irish Whiskey.

Irish whiskey?

In Scotland?

You're kidding, right?

I am not a golfer. However, my son has played there a couple of times and loved it. He also enjoys Scotch whisky.

G-man, you've really got me going to organize another trip to play The Old!

Here's the address that provides info on the various ways to book The Old. It might be worth it to try and get a tee time one of these ways, you will find out in Oct/Nov whether your times are accepted. If not, you can look for other authorized dealers (see the final info box on the page) to get you and your Dad on.

https://www.standrews.com/Play...oking-the-Old-Course

I don't think the links go live until August 21st.

I agree with your Dad, it would be heartbreak to get to St. Andrews and NOT play The Old. I was really down that we couldn't get on last year, when we were planning our trip. We wanted to play The New as our other course and we likely could have reserved a time there... but since we couldn't book The Old we decided not to go near St. Andrews at all because it would only heighten our disappointment to play on the course right next to it!

I'm the guy in the middle:

quote:

Originally posted by mttaylor1066:
G-man, you've really got me going to organize another trip to play The Old!

Here's the address that provides info on the various ways to book The Old. It might be worth it to try and get a tee time one of these ways, you will find out in Oct/Nov whether your times are accepted. If not, you can look for other authorized dealers (see the final info box on the page) to get you and your Dad on.

https://www.standrews.com/Play...oking-the-Old-Course

I don't think the links go live until August 21st.

I agree with your Dad, it would be heartbreak to get to St. Andrews and NOT play The Old. I was really down that we couldn't get on last year, when we were planning our trip. We wanted to play The New as our other course and we likely could have reserved a time there... but since we couldn't book The Old we decided not to go near St. Andrews at all because it would only heighten our disappointment to play on the course right next to it!

I'm the guy in the middle:

Thank you!!! Awesome photo btw!

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I will be your caddie for room, board, airfare and few drams of Irish Whiskey.

Irish whiskey?

In Scotland?

You're kidding, right?

Somebody is paying attention.