St Andrews

A friend and i are considering a golfing trip up to the Fife area to play a few courses, one of which would hopefully be the Old Course, just so i can say i've played it.

I know that a fair few of the regular posters have played it.
I understand there's some sort of balloting system to get on? Any idea how that works? Is it literally just pot luck? And is there any way you can make sure you're more 'lucky' than others?

Thanks, in advance...

MPB, I'm a member at St.Andrews so probably know most of what you might need to know, I could explain but it's probably easier to look at the website.

The St.Andrews Links website has all the information in regard to the Ballot system and the numerous ways in which you can book The Old Course.

You can also book through third party companies but there may be a premium and as a round is already £150 next year it might be better to arrange it yourself.

Once you get your time and you see a wee urchin bent over with a protractor and set square with a semi looking at the grass, don't worry, it's just Mac.

As a member I also have to go through a ballot for weekend times, phoning up 48 hours before and i've never failed to get in.

The other courses well worth playing in Fife are:
Kingsbarns,
The Castle,
New Course,
Jubilee
Ladybank
Leven,
Lundin
Crail,
Elie
Scotscraig

SR thanks for that much appreciated.
I thought you'd be the man to ask, and I did pop a note on D4S's off topic thread, but you were busy tackling Mac

I've had a look at the website but of course that doesn't tell you if there are any sneaky ways to ensure you get on (ie £50 to the right guy )

However if you always manage to get on that gives me a bit of confidence. I'd assumed it would be constantly jam packed.
Whilst the trip wouldn't be a waste it would be a shame to travel up and not play TOC.

Kingsbarns, The Castle and Leven are all on my list. I'll check out the others you mention.

Great stuff, cheers

MPB, Unfortunately I cannot get concessions on the course as you need to be a resident of the town of St.Andrews. There is however a sneaky way for me to almost guarantee you a time as long as you didn't mind playing with me between 8-10 on a Saturday as this is the Ticket Holders ballot on a weekend.

Now, If I were to enter the ballot (for which I've never missed out on) with 3 fictional members who happened to "let me down" and not turn up, then you and 2 mates would be able to step into the breech.

Leven is good, but not what it once was due to poor maintenance. Ladybank, Lundin and Scotscraig knock it into a cocked hat.
Kingsbarns will blow you away though and is a must play.
Carnoustie is also with 30-40 or so minutes.

SR, that sounds like a plan I would definitely be up for. We're looking at as early as poss in the new year so it's a while off. I'll have a chat with my mate and when we've sorted dates I'll let you know. Cheers.

Thanks for the advice re other courses. I'm up for fitting as much golf into 4 or 5 days as possible!

Bear in mind Kingsbarns is shut from 13th November to May.

Is it??
Ok thanks Lairdy

MPB, you'll get TOC at a reasonable rate at that time of year, although there will be mats and The Links Trust close the courses at the merest hint of frost, and of course the course is closed on Sundays.
As Lairdy says, Kingsbarns and The Castle are closed over the winter.

Hmm I may have to rethink the timing....

I would hate playing a links course off mats. I can just about bear at my own course that isnt links but it would just ruin the whole feeling of links golf for me.

MPB, I would suggest a trip around April-May as the weather has been great the last few years at that time.
I played The Castle in mid april and it was sensational, no wind at all.
I think that Kingsbarns opens earlier than May too.

Cheers guys, appreciate the advice. I'm thinking May might be a goer

Could always make a 606 meet out of it if anyone else reading fancies a trip up

May you say MPB, think I could clear my diary for may. Not overly worried about playing TOC again but if its on the list with Kingsbarns and the Castle I'm interested, SR maybe we coud get Mac along in his harry pothead getup and show him what non guardian readers look like.

Let me know dates and see what I can do

Cool Mav, I'll come back with dates asap

Not quite sure where to post this, but knowing that Tom Doak attracts a fair bit of comment, there is a fairly extensive interview with him in the latest Golf World magazine (Nov 11, issue 12, vol 32; Luke on front cover) for those interested. I haven't read the whole piece yet, but note from one of the Q&A's that he is well aware that some people don't see anything in The Old Course and gives a brief explanation of his own thinking - which somewhat echoes Bobby Jones I think (along the lines of "the more you play it, the better your understanding of the nuances").

Mac has just had a trouser explosion