Playing St. Andrews' Old Course for less than $50? It's possible, but there's a hitch

USA Today

22-04-2025

Playing St. Andrews' Old Course for less than $50? It's possible, but there's a hitch
Golfers are being given the chance to play the famous Old Course at St. Andrews for less than $50, rather than the usual fees of around $400, but there is a hitch.
The move is part of a new initiative by St. Andrews Links Trust, named 'Drive,' to widen access to its courses. St. Andrews Links Trust has revealed that, between May and October, 179 tee times will be made available at a reduced price for 'golf enthusiasts who live in Scotland.' International players are not eligible for the reduced rate.
It added that, as a result, 716 golfers will have the opportunity to access tee times across the Old, Castle, Jubilee and Eden courses at an 87.5% reduction on the 'regular high season' green fees.
St. Andrews Links Trust said: 'This means that a round on the Old Course will be available for £42.50 rather than £340, while on The Castle Course a round will cost £22.50, down from £180.'
The initiative is aimed at people who 'love golf, play golf and haven't had the chance to play golf in St. Andrews'. Applicants must be residents of Scotland.
St. Andrews Links Trust said: 'Across the world, green fees have been increasing, with some courses in the UK now charging £1,000 for a round. As a charity, the Links Trust has a responsibility to grow the sport and wants to buck this global trend by finding ways to make golf more accessible for all.'
It added that all tee times in the initiative will be from existing visitor allocations, and offered at the reduced green fee rate 'to offer the opportunity for those who may not normally be able to experience the Home of Golf.'
The first stage of the project to widen access to what St. Andrews Links Trust described as 'some of the world's most iconic golf courses' will see 11 tee times made available on the Old Course on May 21.
The trust said that players keen to participate will be encouraged to sign up in a two-ball ballot, and successful applicants will then be paired up and allocated a tee time.
It added: 'Over the last six years, the Links Trust has seen unprecedented demand from ticket holders and visitors as golf has enjoyed a surge in popularity.
'However, as a charitable trust, part of the organisation's mission is to ensure the advancement of public participation in sport - a goal this new initiative will help support.'
The trust revealed that, should the initiative prove successful, it intends to 'further increase opportunities in 2026 and beyond.'
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St. Andrews Links Trust, said: 'As the Home of Golf, St. Andrews Links Trust takes its responsibility to the sport incredibly seriously. That is why we are so excited to launch a new initiative offering golfers across Scotland the opportunity to play our historic and iconic courses at a lower price.
'Widening access to golf is a key objective for us, and over the coming years we hope we can continue to provide opportunities to golfers of all ages and abilities.'
He added: 'Golf has become increasingly popular in recent years and, with this, demand for our courses has surged to unprecedented levels. We will continue to ensure that our ticket holders and visitors have the best experience possible, while ensuring that one of the country's most precious golfing assets is available for the public too.'