While we have a wealth of experience in the game and the roots to St Andrews, we do not have guaranteed tee times to the Old Course, but don’t worry we can assist you on a daily basis with your ballot entries. If you do choose to select a trip with a guaranteed tee time please expect the price to be significantly higher than entering the daily ballot.

The Old Course Ballot is a daily lottery for tee times, drawn 48 hours in advance for groups of 2 to 4 golfers which TGT will assist with. While it offers a chance to play at the standard green fee, it's a game of chance. The best days to enter the ballot are Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday. Thursday and Saturdays is less likely due to the fact there are more tee times for locals on these days. Also remember The Old Course is closed on Sundays for play.

All golfers playing the Old Course must possess a genuine handicap of 24 or less for men and 36 or less for women. You must present a valid handicap certificate from your home club on the day of play. The starter will check this before you tee off.

The Old Course is traditionally closed on Sundays to allow the course to rest and for the public to walk the fairways. It's a fantastic day to stroll across the Swilcan Bridge for a photo opportunity. On a Sunday, you can play one of the other magnificent St Andrews Links courses (New/Jubilee/Castle/Eden) or you can play some of the other famous courses in the area, such as Kingsbarns Golf Links, Dumbarnie Links, or the Carnoustie.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend taking a caddie for your round on the Old Course. Their knowledge of the massive double greens, hidden bunkers, and strategic lines is invaluable, enhancing your experience and often saving you strokes. We can arrange experienced caddies for your group on all championship courses.

St Andrews offers a superb culinary scene. Here are a few recommendations for golfers:

• Fine Dining/Views: 18 at Rusacks St Andrews (rooftop restaurant with stunning Old Course views) and The Road Hole Restaurant (Old Course Hotel) offer high-end dining experiences.
• Scottish Classics: Forgan's (rustic, quality Scottish fare)
• The Seafood Ristorante (excellent fresh fish with views over the bay).
• Casual/Local Italian: Little Italy is an authentic and popular local favourite.

No golf trip to St Andrews is complete without visiting the iconic golf pubs:

• The Dunvegan Hotel: The most famous "19th Hole" in golf, filled with memorabilia and often visited by golf legends. It's a must for a post-round pint.
• The Jigger Inn: A charming, traditional pub adjacent to the 17th fairway of the Old Course. Fantastic for a drink and classic pub food with a view.
• One Under Bar: A popular spot beneath the Rusacks Hotel, offering a modern gastro-pub experience right next to the 18th hole.

Yes, especially during the peak golf season (May to September). For popular spots like the rooftop restaurants, fine dining, and even the famous pubs like The Dunvegan, we highly recommend booking tables well in advance. As part of your bespoke Tweddell Golf Travel package, we will handle all your dining reservationsto ensure you secure the best tables.