How to Play Golf at St Andrews Old Course: A Bucket List Trip to Scotland

How do you find an "authorized provider" for the Old Course at St Andrews?

Work with a Fora Advisor and they will ensure that an authorized provider will be assisting you in getting a tee time.

What to Expect When Playing Golf at St Andrews Old Course

1. Authorized providers will typically have a five day minimum stay and spend. The town of St Andrews wants to encourage golfers and vacationers alike to spend time in the town of St Andrews, supporting local businesses. Rest assured, there are plenty of additional things to do besides golf.

2. Unlike in the United States, on Sundays, St Andrews Old Course turns into a public park. You won’t be able to play the Old Course on Sunday, but you can walk the three-mile course and say hi to all of the dogs.

3. Tee times need to be carefully planned. Note that availability may be limited due to demand, and if there is a tournament. You might not be able to get the tee time on a specific date, so try to be a bit flexible with your travel dates.

The Old Course at St Andrews is just as true to the advertisements you see on television, making it a real bucket list experience. You will see Swilcan Bridge, and it will be as flat as you imagine it.

The Old Course vs The New Course

When you say you are playing St Andrews, people might also know about the New Course. The Old Course is where the Open is played. The New Course is not as quirky as The Old Course, it's less tricky. It is considered an easier course. Perhaps, you may want to play The New Course first and move on to The Old Course.

What Other Golf Courses Are There in Scotland?

There are plenty of other legendary golf courses in Scotland beside the Old Course. They include, Royal Dornoch, Muirfield, North Berwick (West), Carnoustie (Championship), Cruden Bay, Prestwick and Ardfin, to name a few.

How About Improving Your Golf Skills at St Andrews Academy?

You may want to consider arriving a few days earlier and attending the St Andrews Golf Academy. Staffed with PGA professionals and state-of-the-art technology, why not improve your game before playing a round of golf at the Old Course St Andrews? The academy offers golfers from around the world of all ages and abilities a chance to hone their skills.

How Should I Plan for Playing Golf at St Andrews Old Course?

You will be there for a minimum of five days. The first day, you will be jet-lagged. Use this as an opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of St Andrews, and rest up. If you arrive on a Sunday, you can take advantage of public park access and walk the course. Day two is probably when you want to schedule your tee time. On day three, tune up your game in the morning at the St Andrews Golf Academy, take in the town, perhaps see some sites like the St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Museum or go on a food tour. Day four, hit the links again, perhaps at another famous Scotland course. If you shot horribly at The Old Course, you may feel better by playing The New Course. Day five? You can try to fit in another round of golf before catching that late-night flight back.

• The Peat Inn: One Star Michelin Restaurant that offers a fine dining experience

• The Grange: A 17th century converted farmhouse that uses locally sourced produce

• The Adamson: A brasserie style restaurant with seasonal ingredients and award winning cocktails

• Seafood Ristorante: Overlooking the shorefront with a wall of glass windows with views of the sea, this is a seafood centric restaurant with an Italian twist.