We are visiting Scotland in late October and my husband would like to try to play St. Andrews. What is the weather like then and how might he do this? I am going on the walking tour of the course but he would like to play it.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2181 posts
My husband played as a single several years ago in September. The policy then was singles lined up at the starter's shed and were paired with groups that had an opening that day. . They wouldn't allow tee times for singles. They put the single players on a list so they have some idea when they will be playing that day. I can't imagine there would be that many players lining up in late October; in September he lined up around 5 a.m. I think there are private tours that include tee times for singles. Make sure he brings his handicap confirmation.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
The daylight will be more limited in October with sunset around 4:30. Plan for rain and have layers. That's the advice year round for Scottish weather. :)
Pam
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
When my husband played St. Andrews they required everyone to hire, and pay for, one of their caddies. Don't know if that's still required. Can you Google St. Andrews and get info from their website?
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1265 posts
Nancy, Here's a web site for you to check out. www.standrews.com/
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
When I played, I was a single golfer and they paired me up with three men from the Netherlands. According to the St. Andrews website:
Single Golfers
Single golfers with suitable handicaps who wish to play the Old Course without an existing tee time should check in at the Old Pavilion on the day of play and the staff will do their best to join them with a two or three-ball group. There is no obligation on the existing golfers to make up a four-ball but common practice is that single golfers are warmly welcomed. With patience, this can be successful but there are no guarantees.
Note that a handicap card is required and the maximum handicap allowed for playing the Old Course is 24. As for weather, count on wind and rain...and maybe a little sun if you're lucky! As others have said, dress in layers.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA
34 posts
"maximum handicap allowed for playing the Old Course is 24"
well, i'm out.
Posted by
3122 posts
We did the walking tour of the Old Course recently. It is terrific if you're a serious golf lover. If you're not knowledgeable about golf and world-class golfers, it will be 90 minutes of boredom standing around listening to golf jargon delivered with a thick Scottish accent.
Right across the street from the Old Course and next to the Pay & Display public parking lot is the British Golf Museum, which is a great orientation for anyone who's somewhat interested in golf but not an expert. It's also a great place to get in out of the rain. Their café is upstairs with a commanding view of the Old Course 1st and 18th; food very good and reasonably priced.
In addition to playing an actual round of golf, you can play the Ladies Putting Green ("Himalayas"). Lots of fun, no pressure, and very cheap. The biggest challenge was finding where to check in -- the sign on the Ladies clubhouse says "Members Only" but that is where you go to check in, member or not. N.B. they have no lockers or other facilities to hold your belongings while you play. You get to keep a score pencil imprinted with "Himalayas St Andrews" which is a pretty cool souvenir.
Dress in layers, be prepared for rain, and assume it will be cold in late October. St Andrews is right on the North Sea so wind (and wind chill) is usually a factor.
If you're looking for a place to stay, I can recommend the Old Station Guest House, located about 2 miles southeast of town on the road to Anstruther.