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Golfing St Andrews as a Singleton ??

I will be visiting St Andrews in September. I'm interested in playing golf there, and I don't need to play the Old Course, I would be happy to play one of the other courses there. Does anyone know whether it's possible to either:
1) get an advance reservation at one of the other St Andrews courses as a singleton?
or 2) get on to one of the other St Andrews as a singleton, without an advance reservation, and without standing in line at 5:00 am?

I've visited the St Andrews website, and it appears that you need at least two golfers to make a reservation at any of the St Andrews courses. Again, I'm more interested in the other local courses, I don't need to play the Old Course. Any advice appreciated!!!

Posted by
70 posts

It’s been 24 years (1998) ago but I booked two tee times at the Old Course & two at the New Course. That was required to book. Since a lot of players wait in line for a cancellation at the Old Course, I got there early & asked a Swede if he wanted to play. We then signed in together. We had a great time. I noticed several no shows but they have the choice of say no to additions. At least they did then. The funny part about your question is my name is Singleton. Good Luck!

Posted by
1797 posts

I don't know if it helps, but apparently you don't need to make an advanced booking for the nine round Balgove Course at St Andrews, however I casn't find any information about minimum number of people playing. You could always try emailing them and asking.
reservations@standrews.com

Posted by
786 posts

Carnoustie is a short drive from St. Andrews, and my husband played it as a single, He loved the experience and did have an advance reservation. We were in St. Andrews on a Sunday and were able to walk the Old Course since they do not allow play on that day.

Posted by
2165 posts

My husband’s visit was 15 years ago, so things have probably changed, but here’s what he did. We emailed St. Andrew’s official website with specific questions and got a personal response as to current requirements. He was a single, so the only option for the Old Course was to line up at the starter’s stand, which he did at 4:45 a.m. He was 6th in line and was paired with others that afternoon. Groups that are not a foresome have option as to whether they want additional players. While he was waiting to play the Old Course he went and rented clubs and then got a tee time at one of the other courses (maybe the Jubliee). While standing in line waiting he met other single golfers and they ended up playing with some of them at other course. One of them had a car so they were able to play in the surrounding area.

Posted by
2942 posts

My wife and I are really, really bad golfers, but we have fun out there. Is it OK to play the course if you're bad at golf, but still want the experience? I don't want to pair up with a foursome as that would be embarrassing. I average about 10 strokes on par 5 hole.

Posted by
413 posts

We are non-golfers but did play the Himalayas course, the best 1£ we spent n our trip. I even made a hole-in-one.(At St Andrews no less!) I never need to pick up another golf club!

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for your replies -- including you, Mr. Singleton!!

Given that this is our first visit to Scotland ever, and given that my wife is not a golfer, I've decided to not spend the better part of a day golfing. We will still go to St. Andrews, walk the Old Course and visit the golf museum, and we hope to check out the Himalayas Putting Course also. That sounds like fun!! Thanks again.

Posted by
2942 posts

Brad, it must be fun to tell people you not only played St. Andrews, but got a hole-in-one!. Now, how many people can make that claim? Not even Tiger Woods.

When you play the putt-putt course is it OK to dress up like you're a real golfer, and then strut around a bit like you own the place?

Posted by
413 posts

@ BigMike Yeah i've gotten a lot of mileage out of my St. Andrews adventure. If you want to pack a pair of lemon plaid pants, I'm sure they will let you on. Brad