Playing the Old Course

Request a caddie in advance. Their advice can prove invaluable and will give you the insight and experience only a St Andrews caddie can.

With 14 holes played to double greens, there's not a lot of room for movement. Wear and tear is always the main concern on the Old Course so to ensure you and everyone else experience the course in all its glory, trolleys can be only be taken on after 12 noon between the months of April and October. More information here.

We want everyone to experience walking in the footsteps of legends so buggies are limited on the Old Course however golfers with a permanent condition of disability can request a buggy. More information here.

Give yourself plenty of time and check in with the Starter at least 20 minutes before your tee time. The Old Pavilion is located adjacent to the first tee which offers golfers somewhere to wait in comfort with access to toilets and refreshments. There is also a practice putting area for you to get a feel for the greens ahead of your round.

Make sure you bring your handicap certificate to the first tee and present it to the Starter. It's your passport to the oldest course in the world. The maximum handicap is 24 for men and 36 for ladies.

Fairway mats are in play from November to March on the Old Course. What are Fairway Mats? Find out here.

If you've never played Links golf then why not visit our Golf Academy and get the perfect introduction? The Prepare to Play lesson is one of our most popular with visiting golfers. The Golf Academy is also the warm up area for the Old Course and a free shuttle service will take you round to the Links Clubhouse and first tee during high season.

Our team of Course Rangers are on the Links whatever the weather to help maintain the pace of play and ensure your round is a memorable experience for all the right reasons. They are here to help so if you have any problems, look out for them.

The St Andrews Links Clubhouse is the clubhouse for the Old, New and Jubilee Courses. It has full locker room facilities as well as the Swilcan Lounge. A buggy will take you from the clubhouse to the first tee. There is also a licensed food cart at the 9th hole of the Old Course which sells hot and cold snacks.

Join more than 600 years of history at the Home of Golf. Enjoy the round of a lifetime on the world's most famous Links. Write Your Own History on the hallowed turf, following in the footsteps of many of golf's all-time greats.