Enquiring About: St Andrews Old Course Ballot

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St Andrews Old Course Ballot

3 - 5 Star Choice of Hotel

6 Nights

from £1,397*

*Price per person based on two people sharing with the exception of single golfer packages. Please read our T&C's for futher information

St Andrews Ballot Package

If you’ve missed out on the private advanced tee times for the St Andrews Old Course and are not willing to pay over the odds for a guaranteed tee-time from an authorised provider then the daily ballot is your best bet. As a local St Andrews caddie, I have caddied for equal numbers of individuals that have been successful and unsuccessful in their St Andrews ballot applications. The process is completely random and has no reflection on social status. I have caddied for people who have won on their first attempt and others who had to wait until their ninth. Victory in the process has no financial value, as an American lottery winner and pro footballer found out.

 

By choosing our ‘Old Course St Andrews Ballot package’ you are giving yourself the best chances of being successful in the ballot as I personally will make the entry prior to your arrival and during your stay so you won’t have to worry about it when you are golfing or taking in the beautiful sights. The daily ballot is drawn 48 hours prior to play by the reservations staff at the St Andrews Links Trust and are usually released online around 4pm. If successful I will make the call to change conflicting tee-times as soon as the result is released.

 

This package also includes a local guide and allows you to choose from a number of top hotels in St Andrews and enjoy private transfers from the airport and the golf course.

Included in this package

  • AIRPORT TRANSFERS
  • 3 - 5 STAR HOTEL CHOICE
  • 6 NIGHTS
  • 6 ROUNDS
  • ST ANDREWS BALLOT ENTRIES
  • CARNOUSTIE
  • KINGSBARNS
  • THE NEW COURSE
  • THE JUBILEE COURSE
  • THE CASTLE COURSE
  • GOLF COURSE TRANSFERS
  • FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 -Welcome to Scotland


Whether you arrive at Glasgow or Edinburgh airport, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to St Andrews with our trusted local shuttle company. With the drive lasting a little over an hour, you can relax and enjoy the wonderfully scenic rolling hills and farmlands that make Central Scotland and Fife so grand. Hopefully at this point we will have some good news for you regarding your St Andrews ballot application.

Optional Extras
Upon arrival into St Andrews and either before or after checking into your hotel, your local guide will meet you at The Old Course for a mini tour and introduction. Following the introduction and tour of St Andrews we recommend you relax and have a round on the famous Himalayas Putting green to set you up nicely for the week ahead.

Day 2 -Play “The New Course”


A ‘full Scottish’ breakfast awaits you every morning. Be tempted to order the ‘haggis’ along with your sausages, eggs, bacon, baked beans and tomatoes. ‘Haggis’ is a traditional Scottish seasoning that will remind you of a Thanksgiving stuffing your grandma used to make you eat!

Considered by many locals to be better than The Old Course at St Andrews, The New Course is the perfect introduction to links golf. By new, we mean it was built by Tom Morris in 1895. Anything less than 150 years old in Scotland is new! Yet don’t be fooled by its name. This course is a true test of links golf and allows you to experience the wonderful view of the Eden Estuary and tight fairways that will test every aspect of your mid irons.

At the 18th green of ‘the New’ golf course, you enter the St Andrews Links Clubhouse and buy authentic St. Andrews merchandise and dine in the elegant yet informal Swilcan Restaurant where you can view golfers playing both courses as you reminisce your own New Course experience.

Day 3 -Play “The Championship Course, Carnoustie”


Today, you're getting a true lesson in golf, out of all the links courses in the area Carnoustie is the toughest and will require every club in your bag!

“It’s got length. It’s got great bunkering. You’ve really got to have your wits with you to play this golf course. It’s probably the best bunkered course that you’ll ever find anywhere in the world.” Ernie Els

Having hosted The Open 7 times, Carnasty as it is commonly known is famous for ‘Hogan’s Alley’ the par five 6th hole and 'The Barry Burn' that runs through several holes. Perhaps the most famous occasion on the links was in 1999 when French golfer Jean Van De Velde stepped on to the 18th tee needing only a double bogey to win. He eventually took a triple bogey courtesy of the Barry Burn and went into a three way play-off which Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie later won.

The drive from St Andrews to Carnoustie takes around 45 minutes. You will pass over the Tay Road Bridge leading through the city of Dundee followed by the picturesque towns of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth before eventually arriving in Carnoustie. Warming up is a must before this tough test of golf so your transfer will pick you up around 1 hour 30 minutes before your pre-booked tee time.

Day 4 -Play “Kingsbarns”


Today you’re in for a visual treat at Fife’s most picturesque links golf course. Despite only being 16 years old Kingsbarns has won many top awards and is a permanent fixture on the European Tour as part of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Tour Professional Graeme McDowell describes Kingsbarns as “the only other golf course in the world that compares to Pebble Beach for views and enjoyment”.

Your private transfer will pick you up one hour before your planned tee time. After a short 10 minute drive from St Andrews you’ll arrive within the grounds of the Kingsbarns estate. The facilities are second to none in the area with a sizable practice area, putting green, clubhouse and pro shop.

As your round gets under way Kingsbarns’ reputation as one of the most picturesque links courses in Fife will be confirmed as you gaze in wonder at the semicircular bay that provides breathtaking views from every hole. The velvet links and gently sloping fairways provide the ultimate challenge for those seeking a pure Scottish links golf experience. It's sublime. Our favorite hole is the Par 3 15th that depending on the wind will require a 130 yard to 210 yard shot over water and be sure not to miss right of the green.

After your round be sure to visit the clubhouse overlooking the 18th fairway which is perched on the hill providing sweeping 180 degree views of the course and the North Sea as well as high quality local food.

Day 5 -Play “The Castle Course”


Providing stunning views of the town of St Andrews, today you will not be disappointed with this links challenged. Opened in 2008, The Castle Course is the newest and 7th course attached to the St Andrews Links Trust resort. Although the greens are sometimes described as questionable due to their severe undulations, the layout of the Castle Course is superb and will provide a thorough test of the golfing prowess of any level of golfer. There is a great practice facility so be sure to arrive early and a caddie is a must if this is your first time. After your round be sure to try the clubhouse restaurant which provides a great variety of high quality food.

Day 6 -Play “The Jubilee Course” at St Andrews


Your exclusive Scotland golfing trip requires one more sensational and memorable round of links golf. The third championship course at the Home of Golf, the Jubilee at St Andrews is considered by many to be the most challenging course on the famous Links. Built in 1897, it was originally intended for use by ladies and beginners; however, after seeing its prime golfing location between the New Course and the sea, the Jubilee was converted to a championship layout in 1988. You must be accurate off the tee at this most challenging of links courses otherwise a high score is inevitable!

Day 7 -Play "The Old Course" at St Andrews

Obviously depending on your success in the St Andrews ballot, the Old Course can be on any of the days.
The morning of playing 'the Old' as the locals call St. Andrews Old Course is filled with excitement. For first timers, it is a special occasion to walk in the footsteps of the greatest golfers. For those playing 'the old' again, it is a time to make good on some of those holes which made you swallow your pride on. No matter what, the wind will pick up and what appears a simple 3 wood or 7 iron, will muster every nerve in your body to remain calm. Yet the beauty of the St. Andrews silhouetted town in the background of the Links on the back 9 as you head back from about the 14th fairway is a magical feeling. Our resident St. Andrews caddie tour guide will have breakfast briefing notes for you to take onto the course with 2 tips per hole.

After your round of golf, be sure to walk 3 minutes to to the famous Dunvegan Hotel for a pint of Scotland's finest ale, sharing photos and reminiscing about your miraculous (and not so wonderful) shots from playing St. Andrews. The golfing memorabilia on the walls of the Dunvegan Hotel tell the history of this epicenter of golf. Retire to the spacious luxury of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort Spa and enjoy one of the many dining choices available including the Sands Grill for local seafood or prime Scottish beef in style or or the Jigger Inn for a hearty pub meal and view over the 17th fairway up to the iconic Royal and Ancient members clubhouse in St. Andrews.

Day 8 -Fly Home


We hope you enjoyed our St Andrews ballot package and wish you a safe journey home. In accordance with your flight time, Kevin will arrange to have you picked up in plenty of time and drive you to the airport.
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Macdonald Rusacks Hotel

Looking on to the 1st and 18th fairways of The St Andrews Old Course and providing views across both the west sands and north sea, the MacDonald Rusacks Hotel is undoubtedly one of the top hotels in St Andrews for both quality and location.
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The Hotel Du Vin St Andrews

The Hotel Du Vin is fast becoming one of the most popular hotels in St Andrews. Being only around a 3 minute walk from the famous Old Course means it is the ideal base for golfers looking for quality at a slighter cheaper price.
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The Albany Hotel

Situated around a 10 minute walk from The Old Course, The Albany Hotel on North street is ideally placed to take in all the golf and culture St Andrews has to offer. Originally built in 1764 as adjoining Georgian terraces for the Low bothers this quaint friendly hotel has 22 rooms which are all en-suite.
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The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is the creme de la creme of hotels in the St Andrews area. Originally built in 1968 the hotel has undergone several extensions and revamps over the years and proudly boasts a AA Five Star rating.
£1,397per person*

Availability

  • Season: High Season
  • Duration: 6 Nights
  • Person(s): Minimum 2
  • Suitability: All Golfers
  • Hotel: 3 - 5 Star Choice of Hotel

Kevin's Message

You'd be surprised how many people come over without an Old Course tee-time and take their chances in the daily St Andrews ballot. I have seen it many times during my 14 years on the links, to be honest it appears rare for people to come over and miss out if they are trying all week. This package is perfect for those who missed out on the advanced lottery or don't want to pay the astronomical sums for a guaranteed tee-time!"

Package Notes

Kevin will enter you and your party into the daily ballot prior to your arrival and will continue to do so until you are either successful or your holiday comes to an end. If you are successfull Kevin will arrange for your other tee-times to be rearranged to suit the Old Course time. Price shown is based on the 3 star option of hotel and will increase depending your choice of hotel.

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ABOUT SCOTTISH GOLF EXPERIENCE

Scottish Golf Experience was founded by Old Course caddie Kevin Fogarty and it’s mission is to provide a diversified experience of Scotland that includes golf, food, beverage, tours and local insights about the history of the St. Andrews Links, the ancient township of St. Andrews, Fife and Scotland as a whole.

+44 7512706438

bookings@scottishgolfexperience.com

Company Number – SC538373