Old Course Annual Ballot Question

Hi all- quick question. Before submitting my application I took a look around to see if submitting under two different leads but the same players would disqualify me (2 some, one with me as the lead, father as the other and vice versa on the other app). Couldn't find anything that told me otherwise so I went for it. Just came across an article that says this is a no-no and easily detected. Really hoping this isn't the case but wanted to ask here. Thanks in advance.

yep ... if it's the exact same group, it does ... did you check the FAQ for the lottery? ... high season rules, can't have more than one lead and they don't take multiple applications for the same group ... i'm not their spokesperson, but the way i read the rules clearly indicates they don't do that, and it's kind of obvious why ...

Yep, DQ if they notice. LOL, rules quite clear.

Also $5,000 GBP fine.

>• Can we make more than one application? No, we don’t accept duplicates or multiple applications for the same group.

>

>• What will happen if we make more than one application? I’m afraid your applications would not be considered.

From the FAQ page, under Old Course High Season, here:

https://play.standrews.com/

They've been doing this a long time, and are pretty much aware of the potential ways to game the system. No duplicates, and very limited opportunity to change the names of the players.

We should be hearing pretty soon right?

I applied for 2 date ranges in June ...fingers crossed

We will go no matter what...combining Fife & Ayrshire this time

Each of the last two years my notice came on a Monday whether yes or no. I predict you find out Monday!

Even though this year was the no, we still did Ayrshire and East Lothian. Loved Ayrshire.

Hope so...I think we will still go to St A's either way. My son is now old enough/good enough to play. Even if we don't get TOC we'll still do the multi-day pass and play New/Jub/Eden, etc...and maybe go sleep out for TOC 1 night

Looking forward to Ayr - Troon/Prest/WG for sure...see about Turn & maybe Barassie (I read ur review in the other thread)

Also consider 2 extra days to Islay, but maybe have to wait...

Yep, I guess it is pretty clear as day on the FAQ page. Oh well. I emailed them and asked to remove one of the applications and they said "Thank you for letting us know. We will get back to all applicants with the result on the 31st October 2019". Sounds like Halloween is the day.

Wow, that is really late...can't understand why it takes them 6-7+ weeks from the deadline - in 2017 I got notification of success on Oct 9.

Oh well...

This is indeed odd and late for them, and Halloween - what kind of vibe is that?

I haven’t been since 2016. I submitted an application this year for two foursomes. They changed it since I’ve last been. In the past they opened up applications on a certain date/time and issued tee times by order received. I always fired off the email at the exact time (which meant 3am my time) and always had good luck. I’m kind of bummed out about the lottery system. Here’s to keeping my fingers crossed for everyone! I anxiously checking my email multiple times per day.

It’s only been random the past couple of years?

I believe so. In 2014 and 2016 tee times were provided by order received beginning at the date/time specified. It seems to me that the current method allows those that are less prepared to submit their application during a window of time.

Don't know about "less prepared" but I think having a window of opportunity and a random selection from within the window is pretty fair. Certainly could be argued the other way, but I can see not doing a first come first served solving more problems than it creates, IMO. I know in 2017 it didn't matter when you submitted as long as it was in the time frame, so my experience tracks with your dates for sure.

> @jas904 said:

> I believe so. In 2014 and 2016 tee times were provided by order received beginning at the date/time specified. It seems to me that the current method allows those that are less prepared to submit their application during a window of time.

I was successful in getting advanced times in 2011 and 2012. At that time, I believe it was first come first serve, I think at 10 AM (Scotland time) on the first Wednesday in September. Consequently, I was awake at that ungodly hour, email composed and ready to send, watching the world clock display on a couple of different websites, pushing the send button within 10 or 15 seconds after the appointed hour. The current more random system seems to be a little more fair.

> @davep043 said:

> > @jas904 said:

> > I believe so. In 2014 and 2016 tee times were provided by order received beginning at the date/time specified. It seems to me that the current method allows those that are less prepared to submit their application during a window of time.

>

> I was successful in getting advanced times in 2011 and 2012. At that time, I believe it was first come first serve, I think at 10 AM (Scotland time) on the first Wednesday in September. Consequently, I was awake at that ungodly hour, email composed and ready to send, watching the world clock display on a couple of different websites, pushing the send button within 10 or 15 seconds after the appointed hour. The current more random system seems to be a little more fair.

I suppose debating the fairness of the current system is somewhat pointless, but I would disagree. For those like yourself who are willing to wake at an ungodly hour, compose an email, and watch multiple world clocks for the appropriate time to send the email, displays a certain level of dedication compared to the guy who has a two week window to decide if his application should be submitted at his leisure. I believe that your willingness should be rewarded. Either way, I am still checking my email multiple times per day hoping for good news from St Andrews Links Trust. Even if we don't get a time this year I am hoping I can convince my group to continue with the trip, sans Old Course. May be a tall order for seven first timers.

I'm sitting here wondering what time the emails are going out. Like midnight on the 31st scottish time, so I get it tonight? Start of business tomorrow, so it's sitting in my inbox when I wake up? Fingers crossed for late July

i went in 2000 for the first time, really before email had taken off, so a letter was sent and place in order received ... can't remember, but it was at least 1 1/2 years out, if not two years out ... yep, you actually had to call and obtain this information, then write a letter, then travel to the post office and mail said letter ...

back then, we EARNED IT ...

> @tiderider said:

> i went in 2000 for the first time, really before email had taken off, so a letter was sent and place in order received ... can't remember, but it was at least 1 1/2 years out, if not two years out ... yep, you actually had to call and obtain this information, then write a letter, then travel to the post office and mail said letter ...

>

> back then, we EARNED IT ...

No fax?! I wish I'd have played TOC back then at 15 years old with my old clubs and balls. I'm trying to remember what clubs I had... sure they were some Mizuno T-Zoids. As for balls at that age, it was whatever I could find on the course as I didn't have money to buy balls!

> @gregkeller said:

> I'm sitting here wondering what time the emails are going out. Like midnight on the 31st scottish time, so I get it tonight? Start of business tomorrow, so it's sitting in my inbox when I wake up? Fingers crossed for late July

*Refresh* *Refresh* *Refresh*

I received confirmation I was successful for a round on The Jubilee and The Old Course for early May, at 09:30 this morning (GMT)!

Over the moon

Still waiting to hear! Anyone on the east coast of the states hear?

Haven't heard yet. Wondering if you only hear if you got it? or do I get a polite "sorry" email?

Received my confirmation this morning at 2:31 (West coast time).

Damn...nothing here yet - assume that means negative. Really surprised since I asked for only 2, and gave pretty wide date ranges

Is it possible that the emails are going out in bunches based on when the date of play is? I requested late July. I hope I get at least a "sorry your request couldn't be filled"

Still haven't heard anything and I am requesting early June.

I requested mid-June...nothing yet

edit update @ 10:20 - just rec'd "Unsuccessful" message :'(

> @RCGoBlue said:

> Still haven't heard anything and I am requesting early June.

Just got the rejection email :(

48 hour ballot it is.

Just got my "sorry" email :(