The Old Course announces tee times for just $50

For nearly all golfers, the idea of playing the Old Course in St. Andrews is the holy grail. For a select few golfers this year, that dream will become a reality. And not for $450 (£340), the typical peak-season rate for a round, but for just $50 (or £42.50).

The St. Andrews Links, the organization that manages and controls tee times at the Old Course, announced that 179 tee times between May and October will be available for a discount of nearly 90 percent.

However, there’s a catch. Of course, there’s a catch.

The initiative, known as “The Drive” is designed to promote participation and widen access to the Old Course, as well as the three other courses in St. Andrews: the Castle, Jubilee and Eden. The ballot for tee times, however, is only open to golfers who are residents in Scotland.

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While international visitors will continue to apply for tee times at the Old Course in the ballot and pay the full green fee, 716 Scottish golfers will benefit from “The Drive” in 2025.

“As the Home of Golf, St. Andrews Links Trust takes its responsibility to the sport incredibly seriously. That is why we are so excited to launch a new initiative offering golfers across Scotland the opportunity to play our historic and iconic courses at a lower price,” said Neil Coulson, chief executive of St. Andrews Links Trust.

“Widening access to golf is a key objective for us, and over the coming years we hope we can continue to provide opportunities to golfers of all ages and abilities.”

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The first stage of “The Drive” will begin on May 21, with 11 tee times at the Old Course being assigned to Scottish residents who applied through the website. Players can sign up as a solo or with one other golfer.

The St. Andrews Links will also hold “themed days” throughout the summer as part of the new initiative, with days and tee times targeted to those working in the armed forces and frontline emergency services, as well as volunteers and disabled golfers.

There will also be family tee times available, where Scots can register up to four players for a tee time, with at least one of the group being under 18 years old.

“Golf has become increasingly popular in recent years and with this demand for our courses has surged to unprecedented levels,” said Coulson. “We will continue to ensure that our ticket holders and visitors have the best experience possible, while ensuring that one of the country’s most precious golfing assets is available for the public, too.”

Full information on “The Drive” and how to apply can be found here.