The Old Course, St Andrews

Six centuries of golf

The townspeople won the right to play on the links in 1552. In 1764 holes were combined to make an 18-hole round, the length that became the standard for the game. The course is owned by Fife Council and held in trust for the public by the St Andrews Links Trust under an Act of Parliament.

What to look out for

The stone Swilcan Bridge, crossing the burn between the 1st and 18th fairways, is the classic photo stop. Seven of the greens are shared double greens. On the 14th is Hell Bunker, around seven to ten feet deep, and the 17th is the Road Hole, whose greenside bunker is among the most feared in golf.

Getting a game, or just a look

Most visitors play through the daily ballot, which allocates tee times two days ahead. Groups of two to four enter before 2pm, and every player needs a handicap certificate with a limit of 36. Solo golfers can try the Singles Daily Draw the day before. The course is closed to golf on Sundays, when it is sometimes open as a public park, and the Links Trust also runs guided walks.

Highlights

• Considered the oldest golf course in the world
• Host of The Open 30 times
• Swilcan Bridge on the 1st and 18th
• Hell Bunker and the Road Hole
• Seven double greens

Good to know

• Tee times for visitors come mainly through the daily ballot, which closes at 2pm two days before play.
• Players need a valid handicap certificate; the maximum is 36 for men and women.
• No golf on Sundays; on some Sundays the course is open as a public park.
• Ballot entries can be made online, by phone on 01334 466666 or in person.

Frequently asked questions