Frequently Asked Questions

Information about St Andrews Links

1. What is St Andrews Links Trust and when was it formed?
St Andrews Links Trust is a charitable organisation, set up in 1974 by an Act of Parliament, which manages the seven public Links courses.

2. How many courses do you have?
Seven. Six 18-hole courses: the Old, New, Jubilee, Eden, Strathtyrum and The Castle and one nine-hole course: the Balgove.

3. How far in advance do I have to book a round of golf?
Sale of advance Old Course tee times go on sale the first Wednesday of September prior to the year of play and can be applied for by filling out the application form published on this website. All other Old Course tee times are available through a daily ballot draw. For all other 18-hole courses, advance bookings can be made seven days or more ahead. Winter Golf Packages go on sale the first Wednesday of every August for December and the following January.

4. What is your busiest month?
Usually August, when we normally have around 30,000 rounds played in total.

5. Where can I get golf lessons?
The St Andrews Links Golf Academy. Click here for more information.

6. How many shops do you have?
We have four shops.  One beside the 18th green of the Old Course, one in the Links Clubhouse, one in The Castle Course Clubhouse and one behind the 18th green.

7. How old is the Golf Practice Centre?
It opened in 1993.

8. When did the Links Clubhouse open?
1995.

10. When did the Eden Clubhouse open?
2000.

11. How much is the caddie fee?
£40 (£25 for trainee) plus a gratuity at the golfer’s discretion.

12. Can I hire golf clubs?
Yes. Callaway sets (steel and graphite) are available. Individual clubs can be hired at the driving range when using their facilities.

13. Which courses can I take my trolley on?
All courses, although restrictions apply to the Old Course.

14. Where do I pay for my green fees and trolley?
At the Starter's Box. They accept cash and all major credit cards except Diners Card.

15. Can I walk on the courses?
There are public footpaths which line the edge of the courses. The Old Course is closed to golf on Sundays when the public are free to walk the course.

16. How old is the Old Course?
Golf has been on it since the 1400s.

17. Who designed the Old Course?
It evolved over time, but Tom Morris (custodian of the links 1865-1903) and his assistant David Honeyman are credited with innovations evident today.

18. What is the total area of the Old Course?
120 acres. Combined acreage of all our courses including the 220 acre Castle Course is 870 acres.

19. How many rounds are played on the Old Course in one year?
Approximately 45,000 rounds and between 210,000 and 220,000 on all courses.

20. When was the Old Course changed from 22 to 18 holes?
The standard round of 18 holes was established in 1764.

21. Is the Old Course owned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club?
No, it is public land given to the people of St Andrews by King David in 1123 and managed by St Andrews Links Trust.

22. Why is the 18th flag white on the Old Course?
So it can be seen against the backdrop of the red building behind it – Hamilton Hall.

23. What are the heights of Hell bunker, Shell bunker and the Road Hole bunker?
9ft, 8ft and 5ft respectively.

24. How many bunkers are there on the Old Course?
112.

25. Which is the largest double green on the Old Course?
The double green at the 5th / 13th holes at 4205 sq. yards.

26. Where are the double greens on the Old Course?
2/16  3/15  4/14  5/13  6/12  7/11 8/10

27. Are the greens on the Old Course faster than the other courses?
Yes, they are approximately 9.5 – 10 on the Stimpmeter.  The other courses are between 8.5 and 9.5. Depending upon the time of year.

28. What is the name of the road that runs across the 1st and 18th fairways of the Old Course?
Granny Clark’s Wynd.

29. Why is the Old Course closed on Sunday?
It used to be closed because of an old by-law. Today, it is closed to give the course a rest and carry out essential maintenance. It remains open for the public to walk on as they wish.

30. Who holds the record for the Old Course?
Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland shot the course record of 63 during the first round of the 2010 Open Championship.

31. How long does a round take?
Ideally three and a half to four hours maximum – three hours 57 minutes is the ideal on the Old Course.     

32. What is the dress code for the Old Course?
Golfers are expected to wear clothing appropriate for golf. Scruffy or town clothing is not considered appropriate. Tailored shorts are permitted. If in doubt please consult the Starter. The dress code is smart casual in the clubhouses.

33. Do you have handicap restriction on any course?
Yes, on the Old Course only, where the maximum is 24 for men and 36 for
ladies. You will need to show proof of handicap to the Starter. 

34. Is a golfer with a disability allowed to take a buggy on the Old Course?
A golfer with a permanent disability can request a buggy through Advance Reservations. A caddie must be hired to drive the buggy, unless it is a Links Ticketholder who has completed our Buggy Training Course.

35. When was the current Old Course Starter’s Box built?
In 2001/2. The original Old Course Starter’s Box was sold to an American golf club for £59,000. This sum went towards the development of SALJGA (St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association).

36. Where are the toilets at the Old Course?
They are at the back of the 9th green and 10th tee.