The cost to play St. Andrews golf varies greatly depending on the course you choose, the time of year, and how you secure a tee time. Generally, playing the famous Old Course tee times price is the most expensive option, often ranging from £200 to over £300 for non-UK residents during peak season.
St. Andrews, often called the “Home of Golf,” is a dream destination for many golfers. But that dream comes with a price tag. Navigating the costs here requires knowing the different courses, booking rules, and visitor rates. This guide will break down all the expenses involved so you can plan your legendary trip without any surprises.
Fathoming the Costs: An Overview of St. Andrews Links
St. Andrews Links manages seven world-class courses, not just the iconic Old Course. Each course has different rates and access methods. Knowing which course you want to play is the first step in figuring out your budget.
Here is a quick look at the main players on the Links:
- The Old Course: The legend. Hardest to book. Highest price.
- The Castle Course: Newer, stunning views, high quality.
- The Kingsbarns Golf Links: A world-class public course nearby, but run separately (and is very pricey).
- The New Course: The second oldest, often easier to book than the Old Course.
- The Jubilee Course: A great challenge, next to the Old Course.
- The Eden Course: Shorter, a good warm-up or easier day option.
- The Strathtyrum Course: The shortest and often the most affordable.
When looking at St. Andrews golf green fees, remember that prices change based on the season. Summer (peak season) is always the costliest time to visit.
Deciphering the Old Course Costs
The Old Course is the main attraction. Getting a tee time here is a battle. The costs are set by St. Andrews Links Trust. They are fixed for the year, but visitor rates are higher than local rates.
St. Andrews Links Visitor Rates for the Old Course
For visitors who are not residents of St Andrews or Scotland, the rates are higher. These fees cover the maintenance of this historic ground.
| Season | Old Course tee times price (approximate range for visitors) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (Mid-May to Mid-Sept) | £260 – £350 | Highest demand, best weather. |
| Shoulder Season (April, Oct) | £180 – £250 | Variable weather, slightly lower cost. |
| Winter Season (Nov to March) | £100 – £150 | Weather dependent, often restricted play. |
These figures represent the basic St. Andrews golf green fees for one round. Remember, these prices can shift slightly each year. Always check the official St. Andrews Links website for the exact current rates before booking.
Accessing the Old Course: Booking vs. Ballot
You cannot just walk up and pay. You need a confirmed tee time. There are two main ways to secure one, which affects the final price you pay.
The Advance Reservation System (Booking Ahead)
A portion of Old Course tee times is released far in advance, usually 11 months before the desired date. These are often secured by golf tour operators or through official booking requests made well ahead of time. If you use a tour operator, your price will likely be bundled into an St. Andrews golf packages cost, which will be higher than the published green fee alone.
If you manage to book directly through the official website months out, you pay the published St. Andrews Links visitor rates. This is the best way to control your spending for the Old Course.
The Daily Ballot Price
For times released within 48 hours of play, you enter the famous daily ballot. This is a lottery system for hopeful golfers. If you win a spot, you pay the standard visitor green fee on the day of play.
The Old Course ballot price is the published visitor rate for that season. It is cheaper than booking through some package deals, but you rely purely on luck. There is no extra Old Course booking fee just for entering the ballot, but you pay the full green fee if successful.
The Walk-On Option (Very Rare Now)
Historically, a very small number of tee times were available for “walk-ons” the day before play. This is nearly non-existent now due to high demand. Relying on this is risky and not recommended for planning a trip.
Costing the Other St. Andrews Links Courses
If you cannot secure an Old Course tee time, or if you want to play multiple rounds, the other six courses offer fantastic quality golf at lower prices. They are much easier to book directly online.
Green Fees for the Other Six Courses (Approximate Visitor Rates)
| Course Name | Visitor Green Fee (Peak Season Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Castle Course | £175 – £220 | Modern design, stunning coastal views. |
| The New Course | £120 – £160 | Classic links feel, often called the “second Old Course.” |
| The Jubilee Course | £100 – £140 | Excellent links test, wraps around the Old Course. |
| The Eden Course | £70 – £100 | Good for a quick, enjoyable round. |
| The Strathtyrum Course | £50 – £80 | Shorter, great for beginners or as a warm-up. |
| The Balgove Course | £15 – £25 | A short, 9-hole course perfect for juniors or quick practice. |
These St. Andrews golf green fees are significantly more accessible. Playing three rounds on these courses might cost the same as one round on the Old Course during peak summer.
Additional Costs to Factor In
The green fee is just the start. A true budget for golfing at St. Andrews must include several other essential expenses.
Equipment Rental Costs
If you travel internationally, shipping clubs can be costly. Renting sets locally is a common and practical choice.
St. Andrews golf club rental cost
Rental prices vary based on the quality of the set you choose:
- Standard Set Rental: Expect to pay around £40 to £60 per round.
- Premium/Newest Model Rental: These high-end sets can cost £75 to £100 per round.
It is wise to book rentals when you book your tee time, as availability can be limited, especially for specific club types.
Caddies and Trolleys
Walking the course is traditional, but the St. Andrews links are long and the weather can be tough.
- Caddie Fees: A full caddie on the Old Course is highly recommended, especially if it’s your first time. Caddie fees are usually set rates plus a customary tip. The base fee is often around £50 to £70, with a tip of £20 to £40 expected, totaling around £70 to £110 minimum.
- Trolley Hire: A pull trolley (manual cart) usually costs about £10 to £15 per round.
- Electric Trolley Hire: If you prefer motorized assistance, expect to pay closer to £30 to £40 per round.
Practice Facilities and Driving Range
If you need to warm up before your big round, the practice facilities are excellent.
- Driving Range Tokens: Costs are low, usually around £5 for a large bucket of balls.
- Practice Area Access: Access to chipping and putting greens is often included with your green fee on the day of play, but check if you are just visiting the area without a booked tee time.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Membership Cost Conundrum
Many people ask about the Royal and Ancient Golf Club membership cost. It is crucial to clarify the difference between the R&A and the St. Andrews Links Trust.
The St. Andrews Links Trust manages the seven public courses, including the Old Course, which anyone can pay to play (subject to booking rules).
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (the R&A) is a private, historic club. It manages the game globally (alongside the USGA) but it does not own or operate the Old Course. The Old Course is owned by the town council and run by the Links Trust.
Can Visitors Play the R&A Course?
The R&A club owns its own private course, known as the R&A Course (sometimes referred to as the Old Course complement). Access is extremely restricted.
- Membership: To play the R&A course, you generally need to be a member of the R&A club.
- Membership Cost: Obtaining membership is notoriously difficult. It is application-only, requires sponsorship from existing members, and the joining fees and annual dues are substantial—easily running into many thousands of pounds annually for the privilege, plus the initial joining fee, which is opaque and very high.
For the average tourist planning a golf trip, the R&A course is generally inaccessible. Your focus should remain on the seven public courses managed by the Links Trust.
Budgeting for St. Andrews Golf Packages Cost
Most international visitors book through specialized golf travel agencies. These agencies bundle accommodations, transfers, and guaranteed tee times into an St. Andrews golf packages cost.
What Drives Package Prices Up?
- Guaranteed Old Course Tee Times: This is the premium feature. Packages that guarantee a tee time on the Old Course during peak season will cost significantly more than the base green fee.
- Duration and Number of Rounds: A four-night trip playing four rounds (including the Old Course) will have a higher per-round average cost than a quick two-day visit.
- Accommodation Quality: Staying at the Old Course Hotel versus a local B&B drastically alters the package price.
A typical peak-season package including accommodation, Old Course access, and perhaps two other rounds, might start around £2,500 per person for three nights. This averages out to a high per-round cost, but it offers certainty.
Practical Cost Savings Tips
While St. Andrews is expensive, there are ways to lower your total spend.
1. Play Off-Peak
The single biggest cost saver is timing. Traveling between November and March (Winter Season) dramatically reduces all St. Andrews Links visitor rates.
- Pros: Green fees can be 50% lower than in July.
- Cons: Weather is unpredictable. High winds, rain, and frost can cause course closures. Always check the closure history before committing to winter travel.
2. Play the Other Courses
Don’t feel you must play the Old Course to experience St. Andrews. The New, Jubilee, and Castle Courses are magnificent links tests. Mixing in rounds on these tracks will lower your average cost per round significantly while still providing that authentic links atmosphere.
3. Combine Rounds Strategically
Ask about twilight or late afternoon rates. Sometimes, if you book your second round later in the day, you can receive a small discount compared to playing two full rounds in the morning and afternoon.
4. Book Directly When Possible
If you are comfortable navigating the booking windows (especially the 11-month window for the Old Course), booking directly with the St. Andrews Links Trust avoids any agency markup built into St. Andrews golf packages cost.
5. Consider Spring or Autumn
Shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October) offer a great compromise. The weather is often pleasant, the crowds thin out slightly after the summer rush, and the green fees are lower than in mid-summer.
How Much Is a Round at St. Andrews? (Summary Comparison)
To give a clear final estimate, here is a breakdown of what you might pay for a single player on a single day during peak season, excluding travel and accommodation.
| Scenario | Course | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Key Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Day | Strathtyrum Course | £80 | Lowest green fee option. |
| Standard Day | The New Course | £150 | Standard visitor rate for a top-tier public course. |
| The Big Day (Ballot Win) | The Old Course | £325 (Green Fee) + £40 (Trolley) + £25 (Tip) = ~£390 | Full published visitor rate plus mandatory extras. |
| Package Deal | Old Course (via Tour Operator) | £450 – £600+ | Includes operator margin and potentially higher internal accommodation costs. |
Final Thoughts on Affording the Pilgrimage
Golfing at St. Andrews is a pilgrimage, and pilgrimages often require sacrifice. The price reflects the history, the maintenance of the ancient grounds, and the sheer global demand.
When calculating the cost to play St. Andrews golf, look beyond the single number. Calculate the cost of the trip, the rental gear, and the food. But do not let the figures deter you entirely. By planning carefully, aiming for the shoulder season, and appreciating the other six magnificent courses, you can certainly achieve your dream of playing golf on the most famous links in the world without breaking the bank completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a discount if I stay locally in St. Andrews?
Yes, residents of St Andrews and certain surrounding areas qualify for significantly reduced St. Andrews golf green fees. These resident rates are much lower than the St. Andrews Links visitor rates. You must provide proof of residency (like a utility bill) to qualify.
Is there an extra fee for entering the Old Course ballot?
No, there is no specific Old Course booking fee just to enter the daily ballot. If you are successful, you pay the standard Old Course ballot price (the green fee) on the day you play.
Do I need a handicap certificate to play the Old Course?
Yes. St. Andrews Links Trust requires all players on the Old Course to hold a current handicap certificate. For men, the maximum handicap is usually 24; for ladies, it is 28. They check these certificates, often at the starter’s hut.
How far in advance do I need to book the Old Course?
For the best chance outside of the ballot, you must book tee times up to 11 months in advance when the booking window opens for the following year.
What is the cheapest way to play golf at St. Andrews?
The cheapest way is to travel in the winter (November to March) and book a round on the Strathtyrum Course, which has the lowest St. Andrews golf green fees. If you are very lucky, you might win a ballot spot on the Old Course during winter for a reduced rate.
Are the Castle Course and the Old Course managed by the same body?
Yes, both the Castle Course and the Old Course are managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. This means their booking procedures and general visitor rate structures are similar, though the Castle Course is usually easier to book in advance.