I have wanted to play golf in Scotland and especially at the St. Andrews Old Course for all my adult life. I started last year trying to put something together where I could take my wife and her mother to Scotland. They could explore each day while I played golf, then I would join them later in the day. I had the flights, rental car and hotels worked out, but I couldn't find a way to get on St. Andrews short of showing up at 5:30 AM each day and getting in a lottery. That's a long and expensive trip for the unknown. Then I tried travel agencies that guarantee a tee time at SA, but they require a minimum of two golfers AND two non-golfers. We only had three. Then I thought, surely there are others out there who have the same goal to play the home of golf as I do and have run into the same problems as I did, and just maybe they are here on my favorite website for my travels. Anyone out there have any ideas/suggestions or want to go to SA to play? I am 66 and have a 9 handicap. Thanks.
Posted by
OP
Slidell, LA
570 posts
It would help if I learned to spell Scotland. Sorry.
Posted by
Loves Park, IL
21 posts
You can wait and hope there is an opening or someone doesn't show. That's how i got on the first time. I hit the lottery for the second. Anyway, you might be stuck waiting around for awhile. But, it's nice place to sit and watch. You might also try Carnoustie which isn't too far from St. Andrews.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
Jim, you do not have to get into a lottery to play the Old Course. The first thing in the morning go to the starter box, which is a small white building by the first tee, give them your name they will put you with another group of golfers, if you don't mind playing with people you don't know. My husband has done this several times. Also, you must have a card from your home golf course that states your handicap, if you do not a card they will not let you play. Have fun...my husbands that it was fantastic. Green fees are £70-£150 which is around $110.00-$235.00.....it depends on the time of year you go. You might want to look at this website...http://www.standrews.org.uk/Playing-in-St-Andrews/Book-Online/All-course-info.aspx Edit...... Jim, I just looked at St. Andrews website.....as a single golfer it tells yous what I said above........here it is... Single Golfers can approach the Starter on the day they wish to play and he will try to slot them in with groups going out that day.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Getting a tee time for a group is going to be difficult. A friend of mine played the old course. He showed up as a single and went with a threesome of Scots. No problem getting on and they didn't ask about his handicap (he's a very good golfer).
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Jim - I have done what Robin & Brad have suggested, but I showed up way to early(4:30am). Current high season greens fees are £150. Here is a web site for some golf courses outside of Edinburgh. I have played a few of these and had a great time. www.golfeastlothian.com
Posted by
OP
Slidell, LA
570 posts
Thank you ALL for your comments and insight. There really is hope of me to play SA and I appreciate that you showed me the way. Now it's back to planning the trip for my wife and her mother. Can anyone please tell me the best time to go to Scotland, both for the golf, the weather and the crowds. Is there a shoulder season like Spring/Fall in Italy? If you have any suggestions where we might travel, places that are a must see and things to do that would be very helpful. Also the best way to get there. Thanks again.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2296 posts
We did this for our 30th anniversary several years ago. My husband still talks about it. We went in Sept. and the weather was really nice. As a single golfer he wasn't eligible for the lottery, but he was so excited he had no trouble getting in line at 4:30. That turned out to be half the fun. The first a.m. his number didn't get called until after lunch (the starters can give you a rough idea fo when), so he played one of the other courses in the a.m. Since he had time to chat with others in line, he lined up several other guys for rounds on other courses after that. One of the fellas had a car, so they got a foursome together and went off to Panmuir one day. It's a whole town full of golf fans and he loved it. He rented a nice set of clubs. The only thing he regretted was not getting a caddy. I am not a golfer and I loved the town. It's a easy town to walk in and there are some beautiful gardens in town. There is a lot of history in town and it is a university town (Prince Will & Kate's alma mater).
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2587 posts
He didn't play St Andrews but my Brother in Law and 3 friends went for 2 weeks several years ago. They played 36 holes most days. One of the fellows had his home club write a letter of introduction. That got them some discounts on green fees!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
If you don't have a car the easiest way to get to St. Andrews is....take the train from Edinburgh to Leuchars (closest town to St. Andrews with train station). Take a taxi from Leuchars to St. Andrews...it's 4 miles.