St. Andrews- The Old Course, Singles

Looking to get some information regarding singles at The Old Course.

My wife and I are taking a trip to London and Scotland in April.  I know, not the best choice weather wise, but it is when we could fit into our schedule.

By the time we booked the trip, it was too late to get an advanced reservation tee time for a single.  I am planning on going the route of talking to the starter first thing in the morning to get put in with a twosome or threesome.  Has anyone had experience with this?  What time should I arrive at the course?  Does it help to add a 20, 50 or 100 in the handshake to make sure I get a tee time or is this considered bad form?

The website is fairly clear that advance tee times require a two course minimum, but is not clear about if the same requirement holds true for singles getting a tee time the day of.

Is a caddy worth the extra money?

Any advice is appreciated.

I usually get there around 5:30 or 6:00 and have always gotten on. Once the starter takes your name, you can go get  breakfast or a nap. He will usually tell you about when to return.  I belive they are going to play the course backward on April 1st if you are there then. A caddy adds to the experience, especially the first time.

Yep, get there early, 6 at the latest to be sure to get on. I think you'd be really unlucky not to get on if you arrived early enough, unless they've something on, like the course being played backwards for the day!!

I wouldn't cross their hands with silver! Could be embarrassing for them!

A  caddy is a good bet. You'll definitely benefit with lines of the tee.

Also practice your:

Lag putting - you'll have some long ones

Basic bunker shot - if you go in them, just make sure you get out first time. If you feel a face is just too steep then play backwards!

Playing from a divot - there's a good chance you'll go in one due to the amount of play!!

Suck up the feeling on the first tee and the 18th green.

ENJOY!!!

A handicap certificate is a must and no trolleys on the course. Do not try and give the starter money, its not up to him if you play it's up to the golfers that you will be invited to ask on the tee

You will only have to pay for the one round, if your in that area for a couple of days its worth taking the short trip up to carnoustie for a game, i can guarantee that you wont be disappointed

Thanks for all the advice.  I am really getting geared up for the trip, just now hoping for a good break in the weather.

My biggest fear now is not chili dippin the first tee shot in front of all of the tourists due to being so wrapped up in the moment.

Thought i'd give this thread a bump

looking to do a similar thing to the OP - but in February or March 2012. Have read plenty about how to get on as a single etc, and am hoping that with it being the middle of winter in the UK, it shouldn't be too diffcult to get a spot, despite the reduced hours of light.

My question is this - if i'm not able to get onto the Old Course on the day, i'd be keen to go and play somewhere else and try again at the Old Course the next day. Course such as Lundin, Gullane and North Berwick would be great, is it possible to turn up at one of those early in the morning, talk to the starter and get on as a single? (joining another twosome or threesome obviously). I'd probably be up in the area on either a Fri-Sunday, or Saturday-Monday schedule before heading back to London.

Any advice greatfully received

You can play the other 3 courses as a single. The down side of playing St Andrews too early in the year is you might have to play off mats and there might be some winter greens

Thanks for the local knowledge johnthejoiner - after doing a fair bit of reading up on the internet about playing the Old Course in winter, I know what i'm in for. Unfortunately its just the only window of opportunity I'll get to make the trip, just a shame its February. Someone I work with who also played it in winter said the mats weren't that bad, obviously not ideal, but it doesn't detract the experience too much..

Any other courses in the local area you'd recommend? I realise there's a lot of quality to choose from!

I would recommend the short trip up to Carnoustie, if you go up early enough when the members are teeing off you can ask to join in and you would save an absolute fortune

thanks, thats a really good tip. Had a quick look at their website and see they use mats in the winter as well - I guess its a necessary evil to help protect the course. Still, really looking forward to heading up there.

To the OP - how did your trip go?

kingsbarns gets a fantastic write up, i haven't played it yet because its too expensive for me. Gleneagles isn't too far away and its hosting the 2014 Ryder cup

Gullane and North Berwick are a bit of a drive from St Andrews. If you are looking to play some great links at a lower price than Kingsbarns or Carnoustie, and close to St Andrews, I'd suggest the following: Crail-Balcomie course, Elie, Lundin or Leven. I'd suggest calling these courses as soon as you determine that you'll not be playing St Andrews rather than just turning up at the course.