The Complete Guide to Playing the Home of Golf 2027
How to get on the Old Course St Andrews 2027. Playing the Old Course at St Andrews is the dream of golfers across the world. As the Home of Golf, its fairways have shaped the game for over 600 years, and every golfer dreams of following in the footsteps of legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer. The good news is that any golfer can play the Old Course. The challenge isn't whether you're good enough—it's knowing the best way to secure a tee time. With demand exceeding supply every season, planning ahead is essential. Whether you're looking for a guaranteed tee time or hoping to be successful through the ballot, understanding the process can dramatically improve your chances.
At Concierge Golf Scotland, we guide golfers through every available booking option, helping maximise the opportunity of playing one of the world's most famous golf courses.
1. Guaranteed Tee Times Through an Authorised Provider. The most straightforward way to play the Old Course is through an Authorised Provider appointed by the St Andrews Links Trust. These packages include a guaranteed Old Course tee time but come with several conditions: They are the most expensive option. The Links Trust requires another St Andrews Links course to be included, such as:New Course, Jubilee Course, Castle Course. Most itineraries require a stay of five to seven nights in St Andrews.
Please note: Concierge Golf Scotland is not an Authorised Provider. Instead, we specialise in helping clients secure Old Course tee times using the alternative methods below while creating bespoke luxury golf tours throughout Scotland.
2. Apply Directly Through the St Andrews Links Trust. Each year, the Links Trust opens applications for golfers wishing to play the following season. For golfers hoping to play in 2027: Applications are expected to open in August 2026. Successful applicants are usually notified during October 2026. Tee times are allocated by lottery. Increase Your Chances: One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is selecting only one specific date. Instead: Apply across 7–14 days if possible.
Avoid peak "busy dates" shown during the application process. Be flexible with your travel plans. Greater flexibility generally results in significantly better odds. If you're successful, Concierge Golf Scotland can build your entire Scottish golf itinerary around your confirmed Old Course tee time. If you're unsuccessful, we seamlessly move to the daily ballot process.
3. The Old Course Ballot (Daily Lottery)For many visiting golfers, the daily ballot is the most realistic route onto the Old Course. Approximately half of all visitor tee times are allocated through this system. How the Ballot Works: Applications are submitted two days before play. Results are announced each day at approximately 4:30 pm. Entries are accepted for groups of 2–4 golfers. Larger groups are often split into smaller groups. Best Strategy: If you're relying on the ballot, stay in St Andrews for at least four nights. Wednesday through Saturday generally offer the most opportunities. Remember the Old Course is closed on Sundays.
The longer you're in town, the more attempts you have. How Concierge Golf Scotland Helps: Our team manages the entire process for you. We will: Submit every ballot entry. Monitor the daily results. Continue entering unsuccessful groups each day. Keep you updated throughout your stay. Rearrange your remaining golf itinerary where possible if an Old Course tee time becomes available. Important:
Never submit your own ballot if we are managing your booking. Duplicate applications are automatically rejected by the Links Trust. And while it has become part of golfing folklore, attempting to persuade the starter with gifts, tips or favours simply won't work—and could result in disqualification. We need to make sure you know how to get on the Old Course St Andrews 2027
How to get on the Old Course St Andrews 2027
4. The Singles Daily Draw. Travelling alone? You still have an excellent opportunity. Introduced in March 2024, the Singles Daily Draw replaced the famous overnight queue outside the Old Course. Single golfers can: Enter between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm the day before play. Register at either the Old Pavilion beside the first tee or the Links Clubhouse. Receive notification by text or phone if successful.
Available places arise when: groups of two or three have space for one golfer, cancellations occur, or players fail to arrive for their tee time. The allocation is completely random, making the process fair for everyone.5. Play During the Winter Season If your schedule is flexible, winter offers one of the best opportunities to experience the Old Course. Benefits include: Lower demand, increased availability, lower green fees, easier hotel reservations, and a quieter town atmosphere. During winter, golfers may be required to use fairway mats to protect the course, but the experience remains every bit as memorable. Get on the old course st andrews 2027, keep going and keep trying.
For many golfers, crisp winter mornings at St Andrews provide one of the purest links golf experiences anywhere in the world. Planning Your Old Course Golf Trip: Playing the Old Course isn't simply about securing one tee time—it's about creating an unforgettable Scottish golf experience. Many golfers combine St Andrews with championship courses such as: Kingsbarns Golf Links, Carnoustie Golf Links, Dumbarnie Links, Crail Golfing Society.
The Castle Course. With careful planning, flexibility and local expertise, your chances of playing the Home of Golf improve considerably.Let Concierge Golf Scotland Help. At Concierge Golf Scotland, we understand that every golfer's bucket-list trip is unique. How to get on the Old Course St Andrews 2027.
Whether you're planning two years ahead or hoping to secure a last-minute ballot success, we'll guide you through every stage of the process—from itinerary planning and accommodation to ballot management, transport and championship golf throughout Scotland. Our goal is simple: give you the very best opportunity to stand on the first tee of the Old Course and experience one of golf's greatest moments.
