Welcome to St. Andrews, the Home of Golf, where centuries of tradition, unforgettable links golf, and the spirit of the game come together on the legendary Old Course. For golfers around the world, playing here is more than a round of golf — it’s a bucket-list experience and a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the game.
Securing a tee time on the Old Course can be one of the greatest challenges in golf, but there are two primary ways to make the dream a reality. Golf Inspired is here to help you understand the options, navigate the process, and determine the best approach for your journey.
Option 1: Guaranteed Old Course Tee Time Package
For those who want the certainty of playing the Old Course as part of a carefully planned golf vacation, a guaranteed tee time package is the premium option. These experiences are typically structured around a five-night stay and four rounds of golf, with accommodations, additional celebrated courses, transfers, and supporting arrangements included depending on the package. Pricing reflects the exceptional demand and limited availability of guaranteed Old Course access, making this a significant investment in a truly iconic golf experience.
Option 2: The Daily Ballot — The Lottery Approach
For golfers with greater flexibility, the daily ballot offers an alternative route to the first tee. Applications are submitted in advance for available tee times, with successful groups selected through a lottery process. Competition is intense, and success is never guaranteed; the chances of securing a time can be low, particularly for smaller groups or during popular periods. However, if successful, you generally pay the standard Old Course green fee — approximately £380 (around $520, depending on the exchange rate) at the time of writing — rather than purchasing a premium guaranteed package. You will need to plan for the possibility of not getting a tee time and have alternative golf arrangements in place.
The Golf Inspired Advantage
With more than 30 years of experience arranging golf in St. Andrews and sourcing Old Course tee times, Golf Inspired brings valuable destination knowledge, established relationships, and practical guidance to the process. Whether you prefer the certainty of a guaranteed package or want to pursue the daily ballot, we can help you assess the options and build a memorable St. Andrews experience around your priorities.
Please review the options presented in your proposal and let us know which approach best suits your plans. From there, our Golf Inspired Scotland team will work with you to develop a detailed itinerary, including accommodation, golf, transfers, and opportunities to explore the historic town of St. Andrews and its surrounding courses and attractions.
Playing the Old Course is a dream worth planning carefully. Let Golf Inspired help you find the right path to the Home of Golf.
Let us help you make your golf dreams come true and consult with our Golf Inspired Scotland Team today!
At Old Course Hotel, Rusacks Hotel, Seaton House, or Fairmont St. Andrews
St. Andrews Old Course (guaranteed), Carnoustie Golf Links, Kingsbarns Golf Links, or Dumbarnie Links Golf Course, St. Andrews Jubilee Course or New Course or Crail - Balcomie Links
Dinner at your choice of hotel on an evening
To and from golf courses, and to and from Edinburgh Airport (one vehicle each way / must travel as a group)
Services of your Golf Inspired Scotland representative throughout your stay
Unless indicated in itinerary
Unless indicated in itinerary
Arrive in Scotland
Transfer from Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) to one of the St. Andrew's hotels, transfer time.
Meet & Greet by our Golf Inspired Scotland Representative.
Transfer time 70mins.
Check into our Signature hotel options in St. Andrews - Old Course Hotel, Rusacks, Seaton House, or Fairmont St. Andrews.
Full Scottish breakfast at hotel
Transfer back to your hotel after golf
Full Scottish breakfast at hotel
Approx. 45min drive
Transfer back to your hotel after golf, approx. 45min drive
Full Scottish breakfast at hotel
Approx. 20min drive
Transfer back to your hotel after golf, approx. 20min drive
Full Scottish breakfast at hotel
Transfer back to your hotel after golf, approx. 30min drive
Full Scottish breakfast at hotel
Time TBD