Login / Register
The Old Course at St Andrews is the historic 18-hole links at St Andrews Links in Fife and measures 6,721 yards with a men's par of 72 in current St Andrews Links information. Golf has been played on the links at St Andrews for at least six centuries, and the Old Course evolved over generations rather than being the work of a single original architect. Its defining features include shared double greens, the Swilcan Burn and Bridge, the Road Hole at the 17th and the broad shared fairways produced by its out-and-back routing.
The course is publicly accessible but tee-time access is tightly controlled. The Old Course ballot is drawn two days before play, while advance booking and a singles daily draw provide other routes to a tee time. Players must present a current official handicap record or certificate, with a maximum handicap of 36 for both men and women.
The course is an 18-hole links golf course. It plays to par 72, 6,146m (6,721 yards). It is open to the public. On-site facilities include Driving Range, Golf Academy, Practice Facilities, Restaurant, Pro Shop.
The Old Course was not created in a single construction project. Golf has been played on the links at St Andrews for at least six centuries, with the course evolving as generations of golfers and greenkeepers adapted the common land beside the town.
Its architecture is evolutionary rather than attributable to one original designer. Wide shared corridors, large double greens and alternative routes into holes are central to the course's strategic character. Later figures associated with its evolution include Old Tom Morris, but the course predates formal golf-course architecture.
The course changed substantially as golf evolved from shorter early layouts into the modern 18-hole game. Its landscape and features have been continually maintained by St Andrews Links while preserving the historic routing and landmarks.
The Old Course is one of golf's most historically significant venues and has repeatedly staged The Open Championship.
St Andrews Links operates the Old Course as a public links. Access is managed through advance reservations, the Old Course ballot and the Singles Daily Draw. Handicap certification is required before play.
No conditions reported yet
to report conditions
Help other golfers by uploading photos from your visit.
Help other golfers by sharing what the course was like when you played.
