Question:
Buddy of mine and I want to go over and play St. Andrews next April or May. I’d appreciate any and all comments about your trip there and lodging choices. Thanks
Response:
Assuming that one of the prime motivations for the trip is a desire to play the course and you can afford the fees, I would strongly suggest you arrange everything through a Tour Agency which can guarantee you entry to the course—As I assume you are aware, most starting times are reserved as part of a hotel/golf/tour packages–these are very pricey however–If you have connections, some friend may be able to arrange a time through one of the "Clubs" at St Andrews(most of the early links courses are community courses with some access given to "clubs" which have "clubhouses" near the courses–There is not a single integrated course/clubhouse as we have here–) Finally there are a few starting times each day which are not reserved as above which are available by lottery drawing the night before— Problem is you must be there and register the day before(you can not get a time by lottery in advance of your trip)–depending on the day of the week and the season(and weather predictions) your chances of being drawn vary from 5% during some periods to almost 50/50 during others– Final note, you must be a proficient golfer and illustrate a handicap of, I believe, 18 or less(You must present a letter attested by your pro and the Marshalls will watch you)–If you are having a bad day or on pace for an over 4 1/2 hour round the Marshalls will pull you off the course– If you get there and get on the course, its an experience you will cherish forever—Please note there are several other St Andrews courses in addition to the Old Course and most are certainly worth playing if you are there— Buddy of mine and I want to go over and play St. Andrews next April or May. I’d appreciate any and all comments about your trip there and lodging choices. Thanks
Before you buy.
Response:
Buddy of mine and I want to go over and play St. Andrews next April or May. I’d appreciate any and all comments about your trip there and lodging choices. Thanks
I was there all through Open week. It is a marvellous place and I have no hesitation in recommending the place I stayed in, just 400 yds from the R&A Clubhouse. It is the Sporting Laird (www.sporting-laird.co.uk). The owner there also organises golf tours, so he may be able to book you onto the Old Course or any other good ones nearby (Carnoustie, for instance). Otherwise, go to www.standrews.org.uk where you can book a tee time on line for next year right now. You must have a handicap of 24 or lower to play the Old Course and you must produce a handicap cert; no cert is needed for any of the other courses. Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com