The cost of playing the Old Course at St Andrews varies greatly based on the season, time of day, and whether you are a local resident or a visitor. For visitors looking to play the world-famous Old Course, expect visitor green fees St Andrews to be substantial, often ranging from £180 to over £250 for a standard round during peak season.
St Andrews, often called the “Home of Golf,” draws players from every corner of the globe. Everyone wants to walk in the footsteps of legends. But that dream comes with a price tag. This guide breaks down all the costs associated with playing the seven public courses managed by the St Andrews Links Trust. We look at everything from St Andrews golf green fees for the top links to packages and membership options.
Deciphering St Andrews Links Prices: The Seven Courses
The St Andrews Links Trust manages seven public courses. The price you pay depends on which course you choose. The Old Course is the jewel, and thus the most expensive. The other courses offer excellent links golf at lower rates.
The Old Course: The Ultimate Price of Entry
Playing the Old Course is a bucket-list experience. It is the oldest and most prestigious. Because of its fame, the Old Course tee times cost is the highest among the seven.
Visitor Green Fees for the Old Course
Visitor rates change throughout the year. Summer (April to October) is peak season, meaning higher costs. Winter rates are lower due to shorter daylight hours and tougher weather.
| Season | Estimated Visitor Green Fee Range (Old Course) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (Mid-April to Oct) | £220 – £275 | Highest demand, best weather. |
| Shoulder Season (March, Nov) | £180 – £220 | Variable weather, slightly lower cost. |
| Winter Season (Dec to Feb) | £120 – £180 | Includes limited daylight golf. |
These figures are estimates. Always check the official St Andrews Links website for the exact St Andrews Links prices for your planned date. Remember, these costs are per person, per round.
The Ballot System vs. Advance Booking
Securing an Old Course tee time is notoriously difficult. This difficulty also affects the cost structure.
Advance Booking (The Guaranteed Way)
Visitors can book a limited number of tee times up to 18 months in advance. These are highly sought after. There is no extra fee for booking early, but you must pay the full cost of playing the Old Course upon confirmation. If you book a package, this is often built into the overall price.
The Daily Ballot (The Lottery)
If you do not book far ahead, you can enter the daily ballot, usually the day before play. This is cheaper than package deals, as you pay the standard visitor rate. However, your chances of winning a spot are low, especially in summer.
The Other Six St Andrews Links Courses
While the Old Course gets the attention, the other six courses offer superb links golf that should not be ignored. They are significantly less expensive.
New Course
Often seen as the second-best course, the New Course is a classic links design. Its St Andrews golf green fees are lower than the Old Course but still premium compared to other Scottish tracks.
Jubilee Course
This course sits adjacent to the Old and New. It offers excellent views and a true links test. Fees here are very competitive.
Eden Course
A shorter, more sheltered course, the Eden is great for players who want a classic St Andrews feel without the massive green fee burden.
Strathtyrum Course
This is the shortest of the main six courses. It is a fantastic place to learn the links game. The St Andrews Links daily rates for the Strathtyrum are the lowest among the primary set.
Balgove Course
This is a 9-hole course, perfect for beginners or those short on time. It has the lowest St Andrews golf green fees across the Trust’s portfolio.
Castle Course
Opened in 2008, the Castle Course is the newest addition. It sits on land north of the town and offers dramatic cliff-top views. Its fee structure is usually aligned closely with the New and Jubilee Courses.
Comparing Non-Old Course Visitor Green Fees
Here is a general guide to what you might expect to pay for rounds on the other five 18-hole courses during peak season:
| Course Name | Peak Season Visitor Green Fee Estimate |
|---|---|
| New Course | £90 – £130 |
| Jubilee Course | £80 – £110 |
| Castle Course | £80 – £110 |
| Eden Course | £70 – £90 |
| Strathtyrum Course | £60 – £80 |
These prices fluctuate seasonally, with winter rates potentially dropping by 30% to 40%.
Grasping the Package Deals: Booking Golf St Andrews
For most international visitors, the easiest way to guarantee a round on the Old Course is by purchasing an official St Andrews golf package cost through an authorized agent. These packages bundle accommodation, transfers, and guaranteed tee times on multiple courses.
What an Official Package Includes
When you look into booking golf St Andrews through an official package, you are buying convenience and certainty.
- Guaranteed Old Course Tee Time: This is the main selling point. You are guaranteed a time, often paired with other golfers.
- Multiple Rounds: Packages usually include 3, 4, or 5 rounds, often requiring you to play the Old Course on a specific day, with other rounds spread across the other Links courses.
- Accommodation: Stay in St Andrews or nearby towns like St Andrews, using local hotels or self-catering options.
- Optional Extras: Some packages include professional advice, ground transport, or even club hire.
The Cost of Certainty
The premium you pay for a guaranteed Old Course tee times cost within a package is significant. You are essentially paying a premium for the booking privilege.
For a typical 3-night, 3-round package in peak season (including one round on the Old Course), the St Andrews golf package cost can easily start at £1,500 to £2,500 per person, depending on the hotel standard and the number of rounds included.
Key Takeaway: If playing the Old Course is essential, a package guarantees it. If you are flexible, entering the ballot or relying on last-minute cancellations will save considerable money.
Local Knowledge: Resident vs. Visitor Rates
The difference between paying as a resident and paying as a visitor is massive. This structure is designed to support the local community while capitalizing on tourist revenue.
St Andrews Resident Benefits
If you live within the boundaries of the St Andrews Links Trust (or in the town of St Andrews itself), you benefit from vastly reduced St Andrews Links daily rates.
- Season Tickets: Residents can purchase season tickets allowing unlimited golf across the non-Old Courses for a flat annual fee.
- Discounted Old Course Play: Even residents pay a reduced fee for the Old Course, though it is still higher than the other Trust courses.
It is important to note that the definition of “resident” for these purposes is strictly defined by the Trust, often requiring proof of address dating back several years. You cannot simply rent a flat for a month and claim resident status.
Visitor Green Fees St Andrews: The Full Price
Visitors pay the published, non-subsidized rate. These fees fund the maintenance of all seven world-class courses. This is why the visitor rates are so high—you are paying for access to a globally recognized asset.
Additional Costs Beyond the Green Fee
A round of golf is more than just the fee to step on the tee. When calculating how much is a round at St Andrews, you need to factor in these extras.
Buggy and Trolley Hire
Walking is the traditional way to play St Andrews. Caddies are available, but buggies (carts) are restricted, especially on the Old Course.
- Buggies: Generally not allowed on the Old Course except for verified medical reasons. If allowed, they incur a high rental fee (often £50+).
- Trolleys/Pull Carts: Standard hire costs apply, usually around £10 to £15.
- Electric Trolleys: These are popular for the undulating terrain and cost slightly more.
Caddie Costs
Hiring a caddie is highly recommended, especially on the Old Course, to navigate the vast, subtle greens and the specific local rules.
- Caddie fees are usually paid directly to the caddie at the end of the round.
- Rates vary but expect to budget around £50 to £70 for a standard 18-hole round, plus a tip. Tipping is customary and expected based on service quality.
Practice Facilities
The St Andrews Links offers extensive practice facilities, including a driving range and chipping/putting greens. Access to these facilities often requires a small fee, or your green fee may include limited access. Check the policy for the course you are playing.
Handicap Requirements
To play the Old Course and many of the other championship links, you must possess an official handicap certificate.
- Men: Usually a maximum handicap of 24 for the Old Course.
- Women: Usually a maximum handicap of 28.
While there is no direct cost for having a handicap, if you do not have one, you may need to join a club temporarily or obtain a visitor certificate, which might incur a small administrative fee from your home club.
Fathoming St Andrews Golf Club Membership Cost
Can you avoid paying the high visitor rates by becoming a member? This is a complex area, as true membership is rare for overseas golfers.
The St Andrews Links Trust vs. The Royal and Ancient (R&A)
It is crucial to distinguish between the public courses run by the St Andrews Links Trust (where the visitor fees apply) and the private clubs, most famously the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
The R&A and Other Private Clubs
The R&A is a private members’ club. St Andrews golf club membership cost for the R&A is extremely high and highly exclusive. Prospective members often require a proposer and seconder who are already members, and waiting lists can span decades. Annual dues are substantial, but initiation fees are the real barrier. These private clubs operate entirely separately from the public Links courses.
Links Trust “Membership”
The Trust does not offer a traditional annual membership in the way a private club does for visitors. The closest equivalents are:
- Season Tickets: Available only to local residents, as detailed before.
- Golf Passes: Multi-round passes bought by large groups or frequent visitors, which can offer a slight per-round discount compared to buying singles, but they do not waive the high visitor premium for the Old Course.
For the average tourist, the only way to play is by paying the full visitor green fees St Andrews or securing a package.
Timing Your Trip to Affect the Cost
When you choose to travel has the single biggest impact on your St Andrews golf cost, second only to choosing the Old Course itself.
Peak Season: Maximum Cost, Maximum Crowds
- When: Mid-April through October.
- Why it’s expensive: The weather is generally better, the daylight hours are long, and this aligns with major tournaments and holidays. Demand for Old Course tee times cost skyrockets.
Winter Golf: The Budget Option
- When: November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year).
- Why it’s cheaper: Cold, wind, and rain are common. Daylight is limited, meaning early starters must play quickly. However, the turf is often firm and fast—a true links experience—and St Andrews Links prices drop significantly. You might get a round on the Old Course for nearly 40% less than in July.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring/Autumn)
These months (March, early April, late October) often provide the best balance. You get relatively lower green fees than summer, slightly better weather than deep winter, and a marginally higher chance of securing a ballot spot.
Maximizing Value: How to Play More for Less
If your goal is to experience St Andrews without breaking the bank, strategic planning is essential.
1. Play the Other Courses Extensively
If you play 36 holes over two days, dedicating one round to the Old Course and the other to the Jubilee or New Course offers incredible value. You still experience the Links atmosphere but save substantially on the second green fee.
2. Utilize Twilight Rates
In the summer, many courses offer twilight rates starting around 3 PM or 4 PM. While this cuts down on daylight, you get a significant discount on the standard St Andrews golf green fees. You might not finish 18 holes on the Old Course, but you can often get 9 or 12 holes in for much less.
3. Consider a Multi-Day Pass (If Available)
The Trust occasionally releases multi-day ticket bundles. These often force you to play a specific sequence of courses, but they aggregate the cost, potentially reducing the average spend per round. Keep an eye out for these offerings when researching booking golf St Andrews.
4. Avoid Peak Package Premiums
If you are traveling with a large group, sometimes coordinating accommodation and booking your Old Course ballot entry together is cheaper than using a mandatory, all-inclusive package that pads the price with hotel upgrades you don’t need.
The Economics of Caddie vs. Trolley
When trying to reduce the cost of playing the Old Course, equipment rental is an area you can control.
A caddie might cost £60 plus a tip (£15-£20). A pull trolley costs £10. The saving is around £50-£60 per player if you skip the caddie.
However, for a first-time visitor on the Old Course, a caddie is highly recommended because:
- They know exactly where to aim on those massive, sloping greens.
- They help you spot your ball in the deep rough.
- They offer historical context and local knowledge, enhancing the overall experience far beyond just playing the shots.
For the budget-conscious traveler, the savings from skipping a caddie should be weighed against the potential cost of lost balls or poor scoring due to lack of local insight.
FAQ: Common Questions About St Andrews Golf Costs
Is it possible to play the Old Course without a package?
Yes. You can enter the daily ballot held 1-2 days in advance. If you win, you pay the standard visitor green fees St Andrews. Alternatively, you can book 18 months in advance if you know your travel dates that far ahead.
What is the cheapest round of golf at St Andrews?
The cheapest round is on the 9-hole Balgove Course, especially during the winter season. Expect fees under £50 for visitors in the off-season.
Do I need a handicap to play the Old Course?
Yes. Official handicap certificates are required for visitors playing the Old Course and generally for the New and Jubilee Courses as well.
Are there any hidden fees when I arrive?
Outside of optional extras like trolley hire or purchasing range balls, the main fee is the green fee itself. If you win the ballot, the caddie fee and a customary tip are additional out-of-pocket expenses.
How far in advance do I need to book for the Old Course?
For guaranteed times outside the ballot, you should aim to book 12 to 18 months ahead, especially for prime summer slots. If you rely on the ballot, you apply the day before.
What if I am a student? Are there student rates for St Andrews golf green fees?
While the Trust offers resident discounts, specific general student discounts for international visitors are rare. You must always inquire directly, but typically, student status does not significantly reduce the high visitor premium for the Old Course. You will likely pay the standard rate.
How much does a St Andrews golf package cost generally?
A reputable 4-round package including one round on the Old Course during peak season typically starts around £1,800 per person, based on double occupancy accommodation. This is the price for booking well in advance through an authorized vendor.