[bcheeks]

We were discussing playing at St. Andrews this morning at work. One of my co-workers says that you have to have an established handicap and it has to be verified by a club pro in order for you to get on the course. Is any of that true? We are all curious as to how hard it is to get on St. Andrews. Also, does anyone know what they charge for a round? Thanks guys!

[villa]

Most exclusive golf courses will require a handicap certificate but they're easily attainable, there's various websites that offer the service. Very rarely will a course have them verified.

However, i've never had to produce a handicap certificate at St Andrews. I could well be wrong, maybe someone who's played it recently can chime up.

[villa]

Just found these guys http://www.elitegolf....uk/default.asp

There must be an American equivalent of some kind. It says in the FAQ section of the website that one of the courses the certificate is recognised at is St Andrews.

[rufus mangler]

Probably all the info you need on their website.

http://www.standrews...green_fees.html

[DemolitionMan]

It's a good idea to carry your USGA index from your local chapter. It's fine as proof. However, it is rarely asked for since the idea is to get in your mind a certain expectation in advance, not exclude people.

The whole routine of letters and proof of indexes is more for groups trying to book way in advance and the booking agents covering all bases. Another course in Scotland may check, who knows.....

I think the Old Course is up to 125 BP these days (and thanks to our lovely Iraq experience among other things killing our dollar, that's $250 to Americans), a bargain.

Check out the book "Two Years in St. Andrews"...a great read and a section detailing 8 ways to get on the Old Course; it's easier than you think.

[jshanks]

I played there last May, and out of 8 or so courses we played in Scotland, it was the only one that actually verified our handicap cards.

Getting on was not a problem for our group of 6. But, we planned well in advance and submitted our application on the first day they were accepted by the Links Trust (the first Wednesday of September prior to your requested date of play). Getting on as a single is a bit trickier (ballot or walk-up).

Because we played in May and wanted an advance tee time, the Links Trust requires you to play one of their other courses. So, for what worked out to about $300 USD, we played one round on the Old Course and one on the Jubilee Course.

-Jason

[nagoh]

I have played TOC several times. They tell you that you need to present your HC card rior to starting. However, I have never had anyone ask for it. As far as getting on, we have signed up for the lottery, as well as made advanced bookings directly through the Links Trust. Both with good success. However, if you are unsuccessful with the lottery, there are plenty of other options in the area.

[FAHooGolfs]

jshanks, on Jun 6 2007, 10:25 AM, said:

I played there last May, and out of 8 or so courses we played in Scotland, it was the only one that actually verified our handicap cards.

Getting on was not a problem for our group of 6. But, we planned well in advance and submitted our application on the first day they were accepted by the Links Trust (the first Wednesday of September prior to your requested date of play). Getting on as a single is a bit trickier (ballot or walk-up).

We're going this August over to Scotland to play and we tried submitting our application the first day as well and it was rejected! Something about excessive demand and they were only able to fill less than 5% of the applications received in that manner. The person helping us with our trip (who does this all the time) was floored at the response and said she'd never seen that happen. As a result, we're staying in St. Andrews for 3 days and will be playing the ballot each day.

That being said, I've heard nothing about St. Andrews requiring a certain handicap. The only two courses on our trip with limits are Royal Troon (23 index) and Muirfield (18 index).

The advice above about always having your USGA card with you is good.

[taylormadefan]

FAHooGolfs, on Jun 6 2007, 09:32 AM, said:

We're going this August over to Scotland to play and we tried submitting our application the first day as well and it was rejected! Something about excessive demand and they were only able to fill less than 5% of the applications received in that manner. The person helping us with our trip (who does this all the time) was floored at the response and said she'd never seen that happen. As a result, we're staying in St. Andrews for 3 days and will be playing the ballot each day.

That being said, I've heard nothing about St. Andrews requiring a certain handicap. The only two courses on our trip with limits are Royal Troon (23 index) and Muirfield (18 index).

The advice above about always having your USGA card with you is good.

Officially they're supposed to ask you for a handicap (by the book you need to be at least a 24 to play the Old Course) when you submit your ballot you are supposed to include driver's license and copies of handicap indexes. However, I just played in May and was not asked for my GHIN card. While waiting at the starter's I did hear horror stories from other visitors about guys taking divots with drivers on the first tee and being asked to leave and get a refund, but those sound more like urban myth than truth. Nevertheless, my first shot was a slightly thin iron . . .

If all else fails for you guys, just get up at 4:30 and get to the starter's tent (bring some blankets and something warm to drink). You'll likely be the first in line and may not get to play together, but you'll get paired and get to play the Old Course.

[FAHooGolfs]

taylormadefan, on Jun 6 2007, 11:07 AM, said:

If all else fails for you guys, just get up at 4:30 and get to the starter's tent (bring some blankets and something warm to drink). You'll likely be the first in line and may not get to play together, but you'll get paired and get to play the Old Course.

Exactly. We're staying at Rusacks so it won't be a far walk.... one of the guys going on the trip swears he's just going to sleep in the Road Hole bunker.

[fife321]

if you don't have a handicap card, a "Letter of introduction" will work just fine....get if from your local pro that knows you, i'm sure he's had to do them before so it shouldn't be a big deal....thats how i got on.....