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Cost to Play St. Andrews Golf Course

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Costs & Economics | Playing Fees and Tournament Economics


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Quick answer

  • Green fees for the Old Course are not cheap, varying by season and whether you’re a local or visitor.
  • Non-residents can expect to shell out a good chunk of change, with prices ticking up annually.
  • Getting a tee time, especially for the Old Course, is a serious game of planning and luck, often involving a ballot system.

Who this is for

  • Golfers worldwide who dream of walking the fairways of the Home of Golf.
  • Anyone planning a pilgrimage to Scotland and needing to crunch the numbers for this iconic experience.

What to check first when planning to play St. Andrews Golf Course

  • Current Green Fee Rates: Your first stop needs to be the official St. Andrews Links website. Prices fluctuate, so outdated info is useless.
  • Booking Process & Windows: Get the scoop on how to book, especially for the Old Course. The ballot system and its application periods are critical. Don’t miss these dates.
  • Visitor Eligibility: Confirm any requirements for non-residents, like handicap limits or proof of playing ability. They want to ensure a good experience for everyone.
  • Seasonal Pricing: Fees change depending on the time of year. Factor this into your budget to avoid surprises.

Step-by-step plan to play St. Andrews Golf Course

1. Action: Head straight to the official St. Andrews Links website.

  • What to look for: Navigate to the “Play & Book” or “Visitor Information” sections. This is where you’ll find the real, up-to-date details.
  • Mistake: Relying on forums or old travel blogs. Information gets stale fast, and you need the official word.

2. Action: Identify your target course and potential play dates.

  • What to look for: Check availability for the legendary Old Course, but also scope out other fantastic tracks like the New Course, Jubilee, or Castle Course.
  • Mistake: Getting fixated only on the Old Course. St. Andrews Links has multiple world-class options that are often easier to book.

3. Action: Dive deep into the current green fee structure.

  • What to look for: Pay close attention to the differences between resident and non-resident rates, and how prices change across different seasons.
  • Mistake: Not accounting for currency exchange rates if you’re traveling from outside the UK. That number on the screen can look very different in your bank account.

4. Action: Master the booking system for the Old Course.

  • What to look for: Understand the advance reservation ballot system and the daily lottery. This is your primary path to securing a tee time months or even years out.
  • Mistake: Thinking you can just show up and get on the Old Course. It’s one of the most in-demand tee times on the planet, and last-minute slots are incredibly rare.

5. Action: Explore booking options for the other St. Andrews Links courses.

  • What to look for: These courses often have more accessible online booking systems and can be reserved closer to your travel dates.
  • Mistake: Overlooking these incredible courses because you were solely focused on the Old Course. You can have an amazing golf experience on any of the Links tracks.

6. Action: Budget for all the extras beyond the green fee.

  • What to look for: Prices for hiring a caddie (highly recommended for the experience!), renting clubs if you’re not bringing your own, and any food or drinks you plan to enjoy.
  • Mistake: Only considering the green fee in your budget. The full St. Andrews experience comes with associated costs that add up quickly.

7. Action: Research approved tour operators if direct booking seems too daunting.

  • What to look for: Some packages include guaranteed tee times on the Old Course along with accommodation and other rounds. This can be a simpler, albeit pricier, route.
  • Mistake: Falling for unofficial resellers or “guaranteed” tee times from unverified sources. Stick to official channels or reputable tour operators.

Understanding the Cost of Playing St. Andrews Golf Course

Playing golf at St. Andrews, particularly the iconic Old Course, is a bucket-list item for many. The cost is a significant factor, and it’s important to break down what you’re paying for. The primary expense is the green fee, but this is just one piece of the puzzle.

For non-residents, the green fee for the Old Course is generally the highest. These fees are set annually and can vary significantly based on the season. Peak season rates, typically during the summer months, will be at their highest. Off-season rates might be slightly lower, but you’re also contending with potentially less-than-ideal weather. As a general ballpark, expect non-resident green fees for the Old Course to be in the range of £200 to £300 per person, though this can fluctuate [1, 4]. It’s absolutely crucial to check the official St. Andrews Links website for the most current pricing for your intended dates of play.

Beyond the Old Course, St. Andrews Links manages several other prestigious and challenging courses, including the New Course, Jubilee Course, Kingsbarns (though not part of the Links Trust, it’s nearby and often considered), and the Castle Course. The green fees for these courses are typically lower than the Old Course, offering more accessible options for golfers. For instance, fees for the New Course or Jubilee might be in the £100-£150 range for non-residents, but again, these figures are subject to change [5].

It’s also worth noting that there are different pricing structures for residents of St. Andrews and the surrounding Fife region. These local rates are considerably lower, reflecting the course’s status as a community asset. However, for the vast majority of international visitors, these resident rates are not applicable.

Booking Your St. Andrews Tee Time: The Cost of Access

The cost of playing St. Andrews isn’t just the green fee; it’s also the effort and potential expense involved in securing a tee time. For the Old Course, the primary method for visitors to guarantee a tee time is through the advance reservation ballot. This system opens applications approximately 18 months in advance for specific periods. The cost to enter the ballot itself is usually nominal or free, but if your application is successful, you then pay the full green fee.

If you miss the ballot window or are unsuccessful, your next option is the daily lottery system. This is a more immediate, but also more competitive, way to try and get a tee time for the following day. A limited number of tee times are made available through this system, and it requires you to be present at the St. Andrews Links Trust ticket office in person.

For all other courses managed by St. Andrews Links, booking is generally more straightforward. You can often book tee times online directly through their website, with reservations opening several months in advance. The further out you book, the more likely you are to find availability, especially during peak season.

Additional Expenses to Consider

When budgeting for your St. Andrews golf experience, remember that the green fee is only part of the equation.

  • Caddies: Hiring a caddie is a traditional and highly recommended part of playing the Old Course. A caddie not only carries your bag but also provides invaluable local knowledge, course strategy, and enhances the overall experience. Caddie fees are separate from the green fee and typically range from £50 to £100 per bag, plus a tip.
  • Club Rental: If you’re traveling from overseas and don’t want to bring your own clubs, you can rent them at St. Andrews Links. Rental sets are available and will add to your cost, usually in the range of £40-£60 per set.
  • Food and Drink: Like any golf course, there are opportunities to purchase food and beverages. The clubhouses at St. Andrews offer various dining options, from quick snacks to more formal meals, which will naturally add to your expenses.
  • Transportation: Depending on where you are staying in Scotland, you’ll need to factor in the cost of getting to St. Andrews. This could involve car rental, train tickets, or taxi fares.
  • Accommodation: If you’re making a dedicated trip to play St. Andrews, you’ll need to budget for your stay in the town or nearby.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Assuming walk-on tickets for the Old Course are a reliable way to play.
  • Why it matters: This system is extremely limited, highly competitive, and not something you should plan your trip around. It’s more of a last-ditch effort.
  • Fix: Prioritize applying for the advance reservation ballot well over a year in advance, or explore booking packages through approved tour operators.
  • Mistake: Not checking the official St. Andrews Links website for the most current pricing and booking procedures.
  • Why it matters: Green fees and booking windows are adjusted annually and seasonally. Outdated information will lead to budget errors and missed booking opportunities.
  • Fix: Always refer to St. Andrews Links for the latest figures and booking policies before making any concrete plans.
  • Mistake: Underestimating the total cost by only considering the green fee.
  • Why it matters: The cost of hiring a caddie, renting clubs, and enjoying food and drink can significantly increase your overall expenditure for the day.
  • Fix: Create a comprehensive budget that accounts for green fees, caddie fees, club rentals, meals, and any other potential expenses.
  • Mistake: Missing the specific application windows for the advance reservation ballot.
  • Why it matters: These windows are strictly defined. If you miss them, you lose your chance to secure a tee time for the Old Course months or years in advance through this method.
  • Fix: Mark your calendar with the opening and closing dates for the ballot applications and submit your entry as soon as possible.
  • Mistake: Not understanding the handicap requirements for the Old Course.
  • Why it matters: The Old Course has specific handicap limits (typically 24 for men, 36 for women) that visitors must meet. You may be asked to provide proof.
  • Fix: Verify the current handicap requirements on the St. Andrews Links website and ensure your handicap meets these criteria before you book.
  • Mistake: Failing to consider playing other excellent courses within the St. Andrews Links Trust.
  • Why it matters: Focusing solely on the Old Course can lead to disappointment if you can’t secure a tee time, and you might miss out on other fantastic golfing experiences.
  • Fix: Research and consider booking rounds on courses like the New Course, Jubilee Course, or the Castle Course, which offer superb golf and often have more accessible booking systems.

FAQ

  • What are the typical green fees for the Old Course at St. Andrews for non-residents?

For non-residents, green fees for the Old Course generally range from approximately £200 to £300, but this figure can change based on the season and the specific year. It’s essential to consult the official St. Andrews Links website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for your desired play dates.

  • How far in advance should I try to book a tee time for the Old Course?

To secure a tee time for the Old Course through the advance reservation ballot, you typically need to submit your application about 18 months prior to your intended playing period. For other booking methods or courses, check the St. Andrews Links website as reservation windows can vary.

  • Is there a ballot system for booking tee times at St. Andrews, and how does it work?

Yes, there is an advance reservation ballot specifically for the Old Course. Golfers apply online during designated application windows. If your application is successful, you’ll be notified by email and then proceed to book and pay for your tee time. It’s essentially a lottery system for securing sought-after tee times well in advance.

  • Can I play other courses at St. Andrews Links if I can’t get on the Old Course?

Absolutely. St. Andrews Links manages several other world-renowned courses, including the New Course, Jubilee Course, and the Castle Course. These courses offer exceptional golfing challenges and are generally easier to book than the Old Course, with more conventional online reservation systems.

  • Are there any discounts available for playing St. Andrews?

Direct discounts on green fees for visitors are uncommon. However, residents of St. Andrews and the Fife region benefit from significantly lower rates. For international visitors, the most common way to potentially get value is through package deals offered by approved tour operators, which might bundle tee times with accommodation and other rounds, though these are typically more expensive than booking directly.

  • What is the dress code at St. Andrews?

A smart casual dress code is generally expected across all St. Andrews Links courses. This typically includes wearing a collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, and appropriate golf shoes. While specific rules can vary slightly between courses, it’s always a good idea to check the St. Andrews Links website for the most current dress code guidelines before your round.

  • Do I need a handicap to play the Old Course?

Yes, you generally need to have a valid handicap to play the Old Course. The required handicap limit is typically 24 or lower for men and 36 or lower for women. You may be asked to present proof of your handicap when checking in for your round.

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