Old Course question

kermitm · February 10, 2020

Hello Golfwrxers,

I am heading to Scotland in May with a group of 8 and unfortunately we did not get a tee time thru the lottery for the Old Course. So I have a few questions that I would love the groups help with. What is the last tee time of the day for the Old Course in May? Is there any chance to walk on a play a few holes later in the afternoon like around 6 or 7? We would love to play at least a few holes at the old course so any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Kermitm

puttnforthe8 · February 11, 2020

Nope....not without paying.

kermitm · February 12, 2020

Thanks. Do you know what the last tee time of the day is? Could we tee off at 6:00 and try and get in 18? Thanks for your help

puttnforthe8 · February 12, 2020

I believe it is 5pm for the last tee time.

davep043 · February 12, 2020

I remember sitting in the bar at Russacks having a nip after dinner, and watching players coming up the 18th at about 10 PM. Its been a few years, but I believe that was in late May.

duffer987 · February 13, 2020

St. Andrews Trust lays out quite clearly how you can play TOC.

You didn't get one, so now you have the two other main options: daily ballot and queuing https://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/Old-Course/Booking-the-Old-Course

IIRC - when we were checking ballot results last May - they definitely had times starting 17:something - but again this isn't your local muni you're trying to get a round in after work. They have explicit tee times, get one of those and play, don't get one don't. There is no secret, they really couldn't make things clearer, and everyone gets the same opportunity to play.

pendodave · February 13, 2020

The 48 hour ballot gives you some sort of a chance. Dont forget that you can walk round it on a Sunday playing some air golf (cf. Air guitar).

Disastermaster · February 29, 2020

48 hour ballot is the only option for play as a group or all turning up super early and joining the singles queue. This is around 02:00 in the morning to try your luck. All players must be in attendance as well and not just one for the group.

last tee times are between 17:30 till 18:00 and are normally local times and after that it is what they call dark times. Dark times are usually only given to locals as these times don't guarantee a finish in daylight.