How much does it cost to golf at St Andrews? The cost of playing golf at St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” varies widely depending on which of the seven courses you choose, the time of year you play, and whether you secure a tee time through the general public ballot or pay a premium for guaranteed access.
Playing a round on the legendary Old Course is often the primary goal for visitors, and this comes with the highest price tag. However, the surrounding St Andrews Links offer world-class golf experiences at more accessible rates. This guide breaks down the current St Andrews golf fees so you can plan your pilgrimage without any nasty surprises.
Fathoming the Cost Structure of St Andrews Links
The St Andrews Links Trust manages seven public courses. The prices change yearly, usually at the start of the high season (April). To give you a clear picture, we must look at the different categories of golfers: Residents, Visitors (Non-R&A/St Andrews links members), and those playing the famed Old Course.
The most significant factor determining your St Andrews Links green fees is whether you are a visitor playing the Old Course or playing the other six courses.
Old Course Green Fee Rates: The Crown Jewel Pricing
The Old Course is the most sought-after tee time globally. The rates reflect this high demand. When looking at Old Course tee times cost, remember that these prices are dynamic and subject to change based on peak vs. off-peak seasons.
Current Estimated Old Course Visitor Green Fees (Per Person)
| Season | Peak Season (Approx. April – October) | Winter Season (Approx. November – March) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Green Fee | £190 – £220 | £95 – £120 |
| Resident Green Fee | Significantly Lower (Proof of residence needed) | Significantly Lower (Proof of residence needed) |
Note: These figures are estimates based on recent published rates. Always check the official St Andrews Links website for the most current Old Course green fee rates before booking.
The Other Six Courses: World-Class Value
While the Old Course gets the spotlight, the other six courses—the New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum, Balgove, and the short an historic Castle Course—offer incredible golf. Their visitor golf prices St Andrews are considerably lower than the Old Course, yet they still provide a championship experience.
Estimated Green Fees for Other St Andrews Links Courses (Visitor Rates)
| Course Name | Peak Season (Approximate) | Winter Season (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| The New Course | £75 – £90 | £45 – £60 |
| The Jubilee Course | £65 – £80 | £40 – £55 |
| The Castle Course | £95 – £110 (Often priced near the Old Course) | £60 – £75 |
| The Eden Course | £45 – £60 | £30 – £40 |
| The Strathtyrum Course | £35 – £50 | £25 – £35 |
| The Balgove Course | £15 – £25 (Nine holes often) | £10 – £15 |
As you can see, the cost of playing St Andrews across the entire Links complex ranges from budget-friendly to premium.
Securing Your Tee Time: The Crucial Cost Factor
How you secure a tee time profoundly impacts your final budget. There are three main ways to play the Old Course, each with a very different financial implication.
1. The Old Course Ballot: The Lottery Approach
The fairest, and cheapest, way for a visitor to play the Old Course is through the daily ballot. This is a lottery system.
The Old Course ballot price (the green fee if you win) is the standard published visitor rate for the Old Course (e.g., £200+ in peak season). You only pay if you are successful.
Ballot Mechanics and Cost Implications:
- Application: You apply online, usually 48 hours in advance of your desired tee time.
- Group Size: You apply as a twosome or threesome. Singles are usually grouped with others on the day.
- Success Rate: Success rates vary wildly depending on the time of year and day of the week. You might need several attempts to win.
- Budgeting: Budgeting for the ballot means you must also have a backup plan for other rounds, as you cannot rely solely on winning.
2. Guaranteed Advanced Booking: The Premium Price
For golfers planning far ahead, booking a guaranteed tee time through an approved tour operator or travel agent is the most reliable method. This is how many international groups secure their spot.
These packages often bundle your Old Course tee times cost with accommodation, other rounds, and sometimes transport. While this guarantees play, it significantly increases the overall expense. You are paying a premium for certainty.
- Cost Range: These packages often start at £600–£1000+ per person per day, depending on the hotel quality and the number of rounds included. This is where St Andrews Links visitor packages become relevant.
3. The Old Course Walk-Up (The Day Before): A Last-Minute Gamble
If you arrive in St Andrews without a ballot win or advance booking, you can queue up the afternoon before your desired playing day to enter the stand-by draw for any cancellations or remaining slots.
This is not a reliable method, but it is available. The green fee paid, if successful, is the standard visitor rate.
4. The Caddie Component: An Essential Add-On
While not mandatory, hiring a caddie on the Old Course is highly recommended for navigating the course’s unique features and history.
The booking Old Course caddie cost is separate from the green fee.
- Caddie Fee Structure: Caddies work for tips, but a suggested starting gratuity is often published. Expect to tip between £20 and £40 per caddie, depending on service and the length of your round. Some tour operators include this in their package price, but if booking independently, factor this in.
Deciphering St Andrews Links Visitor Packages
For many international golfers, purchasing a St Andrews Links visitor packages is the easiest way to manage the logistics and guarantee play on multiple courses, especially the Old Course. These packages bundle several rounds together.
Typical Inclusions in a Package
A standard package might include:
- One round on the Old Course (guaranteed slot).
- Rounds on the New, Jubilee, and Castle Courses.
- Sometimes, accommodation options are added.
Budget Comparison: DIY vs. Package
| Component | Estimated DIY Cost (Peak Season, Low-End) | Estimated Package Cost (Mid-Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Course Green Fee | £200 (If won via ballot) | Included in Package Price |
| 3 Other Rounds | £200 (£70 x 3) | Included in Package Price |
| Accommodation (3 Nights) | £300 (£100/night budget) | Often included or quoted separately |
| Total Base Cost (Estimate) | £400 (Excluding lodging/travel) | £750 – £1200 (All-inclusive golf) |
Packages save you the stress of booking individual slots but generally cost more upfront than securing the cheapest possible Old Course tee times cost via the ballot and then paying for other rounds separately.
Seasonal Impacts on How Much is a Round at St Andrews
The time of year you visit dramatically affects both the price and your chances of getting a prime tee time.
Peak Season (April to October)
This is the most expensive time. Demand is highest, weather is generally better, and all seven courses are fully open. You will pay the top end of the St Andrews Links green fees scale. If you rely on the ballot, competition is fierce.
Winter Season (November to March)
This is the budget golfer’s secret weapon.
- Lower Green Fees: As shown in the tables above, visitor golf prices St Andrews are often halved for the Old Course.
- Course Availability: Not all courses may operate fully. The Castle Course, for example, often closes entirely during the deepest winter months. The others are typically open, but check for temporary tee boxes or winter greens, which affect play.
- Ballot Odds: Your chance of winning the ballot increases significantly because fewer people travel in winter.
Playing the Old Course in January might cost you £100, whereas playing in July could cost you £220. This is a major factor in your overall how much to golf at St Andrews calculation.
Other Costs to Factor into Your Budget
The green fee is just the starting point. To calculate the true cost of playing St Andrews, you must consider these extras:
Equipment Rentals
If you are not bringing your own clubs, you will need to rent them. Rental costs are standardized across the main pro shops.
- Premium Set Rental (e.g., latest models): Expect to pay £60 – £90 per set for a day.
- Standard Set Rental: £40 – £60 per set for a day.
Buggies and Trolleys
The courses, especially the Old Course, are historic and generally encourage walking.
- Push/Pull Trolleys: Usually available for a small daily fee (£8 – £15).
- Electric Trolleys: Less common and sometimes restricted on the Old Course. Expect £20 – £30 if available.
- Buggies (Carts): These are usually only permitted for medical reasons on the Old Course. If you are playing other courses, check their specific policies and costs, which might run £30 – £45.
Practice Facilities
If you want to warm up before your round, use of the practice range and putting greens is usually included or very low cost if you have paid a green fee that day.
Food and Drink
St Andrews is a charming town, but dining near the course can be pricey. A typical lunch and a couple of drinks at the clubhouse might add £30 – £50 per person to your daily expense.
Accommodation
St Andrews accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
- Budget Stay (Off-site/Hostel): £50 – £80 per night.
- Mid-Range Hotel (Town Centre): £120 – £200 per night.
- Luxury/Boutique: £250+ per night.
For a three-day golf trip centered around the Old Course, lodging could easily be the largest single non-golf expense.
Visitor Golf Prices St Andrews: A Sample Itinerary Budget
Let’s map out a realistic 3-day trip for a visitor hoping to play the Old Course once and two other top courses, relying on the ballot for the Old Course slot and paying standard visitor rates for others during peak season.
| Item | Estimated Peak Season Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Course Green Fee | £210 | Assuming successful ballot win (Standard Visitor Rate) |
| New Course Green Fee | £85 | Standard visitor rate |
| Jubilee Course Green Fee | £70 | Standard visitor rate |
| Caddie Tip (Old Course) | £30 | Recommended minimum gratuity |
| Trolley Hire (3 Days) | £36 | (£12 per day) |
| Practice Range Warm-up | £10 | One small bucket of balls |
| Lunch/Drinks (3 Days) | £120 | Modest clubhouse fare |
| Accommodation (3 Nights) | £450 | Mid-range hotel (£150/night) |
| Total Estimated Cost | £911 | This covers one guaranteed Old Course round plus two other rounds. |
This estimate shows that while you can get the Old Course tee times cost down if you win the ballot, the total trip expense remains substantial due to lodging, food, and the necessity of paying for other rounds.
If you cannot win the ballot and must rely on a tour operator for a guaranteed Old Course slot, that £210 entry fee can easily jump to £500–£700 as part of a larger package covering multiple rounds.
Maximizing Your Budget: Tips for Cheaper Rounds
If your primary goal is to experience the history of St Andrews without draining your savings, here are ways to minimize your expenses:
1. Visit in the Off-Season
This is the single biggest money saver. Visiting between November and March slashes St Andrews Links green fees substantially. You trade perfect weather for fantastic value.
2. Prioritize the Other Courses
The New, Jubilee, and Castle Courses are magnificent. If you play three rounds on these top-tier courses rather than one on the Old Course, you will save hundreds of pounds while still playing world-class links golf. Look into St Andrews Links visitor packages that heavily feature these alternatives.
3. Play as a Single Golfer
If you are traveling alone, you have a better chance of being slotted into groups via the ballot or stand-by line, often filling gaps left by larger groups.
4. Walk, Don’t Ride
Avoid trolley hire fees if your fitness allows. The terrain is generally walkable.
5. Book Early for Winter Rates
While winter rates are lower, booking well in advance ensures you get the best available tee times during the limited winter daylight hours.
Conclusion: The Value of the Pilgrimage
The question “how much to golf at St Andrews” has no single answer. The cost of playing St Andrews is a spectrum. You can spend upwards of £1,500 for a premium, guaranteed 4-round package, or you can aim for a budget trip by winning the ballot and staying just outside the immediate town center, bringing the base cost down significantly.
The Old Course remains expensive, commanding high St Andrews golf fees due to its unmatched heritage. However, the accessibility of the other six courses ensures that a trip to the Home of Golf remains achievable for golfers of all budgets. Plan carefully, be flexible with your dates, and good luck with the ballot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it possible to play the Old Course for under £100?
Yes, it is possible, but only during the deep off-season (typically December through February), provided you are successful in winning the ballot for the Old Course ballot price during that period. Peak season rates are significantly higher.
Q: Do I have to hire a caddie on the Old Course?
No, hiring a caddie is not mandatory for visitors playing the Old Course. However, it is strongly recommended due to the unique, firm, and tricky nature of the course and its pot bunkers.
Q: Are the St Andrews Links visitor packages worth the money?
If your priority is guaranteed access to the Old Course during peak season, the St Andrews Links visitor packages are often the only feasible route. They remove the stress of the ballot but come at a premium price compared to organizing rounds independently during quieter times.
Q: What is the difference between the Old Course and the Castle Course pricing?
The Castle Course is often priced higher than the New and Jubilee Courses, sometimes approaching the Old Course’s visitor rates, even though it is a modern design (opened in 2008) and not part of the historic cluster. This reflects its challenging design and high demand.
Q: How far in advance must I book Old Course tee times?
If you are relying on the advance ballot system, you apply about 48 hours before your desired date. If you are booking through a travel agent or tour operator for guaranteed slots, you often need to book 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for peak summer dates, to secure preferred Old Course tee times cost within a package.