The total number of rounds played on the six Links courses in August was down 10% from over 28,900 to almost 26,200. The biggest fall was in rounds played by yearly ticket holders where play fell by 17% on last year as local golfers stayed home and dry, waiting for better weather. Visitors, however, many here for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, played through the downpours and the fall-off in rounds was only 4%.
The figures for all play so far this year are similar to the same time in 2003 at 156,719, despite an unusual number of tournaments in June.
"The combination of a heavy competition schedule in June and exceptional wet weather in August has not produced a dramatic downturn in play as might have been expected," said Peter Mason, external relations manager at St Andrews Links Trust.
"The condition of the courses is our main concern at the moment as the wet weather results in many more pitchmarks, which, if not repaired properly, leave unsightly scars on the greens."