Old Course ballot changes at St Andrews
As of January 2012 golfers will be able to enter the Old Course ballot 48 hours before they wish to play
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Delivered daily
Daily Newsletter
Sign up for all the latest tour news, gear reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides plus features, tips from our top 50 coaches and rules advice from our expert team.
Once a week
Kick Point
Sign up to our free Kick Point newsletter, filled with the latest gear reviews and expert advice as well as the best deals we spot each week.
Once a week
Women's Golf Edit
Sign up to our free newsletter, filled with news, features, tips and best buys surrounding the world of women’s golf. If you’re a female golfer, you won’t want to miss out!
The daily ballot for the famous Old Course at St Andrews will soon be changing to a 48-hour ahead system.
The current daily ballot is believed to have originated as far back as 1895, but as of January next year, golfers will be able to enter the ballot two days before they wish to tee off.
The ballot is designed to provide golfers who were unable to book in advance, the chance of playing the famous links when they are in the area. It is hoped that the change will enable local and visiting golfers to plan their golf more effectively, thus encouraging longer stays in the region.
The new ballot system will be drawn for the first time on Saturday 7 January 2012 for play on January 9.
The ballot will take place every day of the week with the exception of Friday, as there is no play on the Old Course on Sundays.
The Old Course takes more than 40,000 rounds of golf a year and hosted the Open Championship for the 28th time last July, when Louis 0osthuizen lifted the Claret Jug.
Where next?
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Competitions: Latest golf competitions