St. Andrews 48 Hour Ballot

[critchtc21]

We were unsuccessful on the advanced application. We have a group of 8 and we will be going regardless. I have 2-3 open days built into trip while in St. Andrews. We are going in August. Would it be harder to get 8 people on? I would think it also could play to your advantage as they would want full paying foursomes instead of 2-3 per group.

 

8 guys in August with 2-3 open days on the 48 hour ballot. Think we will be okay?

[ParParAgain]

Just a guess, but the smaller the group, the better the odds.

 

Hence, you should probably split your two foursomes into four twosomes?

[TerpFangolfer]

yeah, that's a tough situation...then you could get into a situation where only 2 or 4 of your 8 get to play the Old?

Depending on your group that could get awkward? Some hard feelings...

[critchtc21]

I would only be putting all 8 in. It will be broken into 2 foursomes regardless. I just hope 3 open days would be enough.

[Matt J]

Well, if you put 4 twosomes in you'd be banking that half would get pulled every day, which would probably increase your odds, but I can see how that would be awkward with some groups. If any in your group have played it before they might be okay playing the new course the first day or two and hope they get on the last day.

[Chigolfer2]

This past June we did 2 separate foursomes 2 days in a row. First day we got one group in and we were completely shut out the second day.

[grant7]

You'll be putting in two separate, four player, ballots. They don't care if its 3 or 4 golfers, the slot can be filled from the singles list anyway, it won't affect your chances. You won't be able to add two more on if you get drawn for a twosome time. In August your chances are not great, but you have three chances. You could always queue as singles or maybe play a dark time if you are unsuccessful in the ballot.

[raynorfan1]

Strategy depends on how badly people want to play TOC and if you care about playing together.

 

They do the ballot as a straight draw - they basically have the names in a hat and draw for each of the available times. There is no preference for foursomes vs threesomes vs twosomes. In August, they'll fill all of the available spots with singles off the line.

 

Your best shot (IMHO) is for you to enter as four twosomes. This gives you better odds of somebody winning the ballot. If you get two twosomes in, then the other four guys wait in the line and try to get paired up with the first two.

[Chigolfer2]

Odds are good for individuals day sign-up sheet but you will probably play without your buddies and be spread out a bit.

[Calliopejuly]

been there a few times and balloted for a foursome every time. We've yet to not have it work, and usually in a day or two. I'd put both foursomes in every day til I got it. with 3 days to work, I'd be surprised if you didn't get everyone on at least once. enjoy. nothing like paying the starter and meeting your caddy standing on the first tee. coolest spot on the planet for a golfer. good luck!

[critchtc21]

been there a few times and balloted for a foursome every time. We've yet to not have it work, and usually in a day or two. I'd put both foursomes in every day til I got it. with 3 days to work, I'd be surprised if you didn't get everyone on at least once. enjoy. nothing like paying the starter and meeting your caddy standing on the first tee. coolest spot on the planet for a golfer. good luck!

 

Great, thanks. Have 3 open days with Kingsbarns another day and hopefully they would move tee time. So I will be submitting two foursomes 4 days now. Did you have success in August or were your trips at other times?

[Calliopejuly]

I’ve always gone over last week of May or first week of June. So you’re right, August could be a little tougher/busier. All the reason to get your Sunday Carnoustie done now. I still think three days to ballot the Old is pretty good odds too, as long as you look at their calendar for busy dates and none of the days have big reserved blocks.