The process of securing a tee time on the Old Course at St. Andrews has become more efficient and convenient thanks to a new digital singles queue system implemented by the St. Andrews Links Trust. This system has replaced the outdated method of camping out overnight in a queue to secure a tee time, with golfers now able to enter their names digitally the day prior to play. Since its inception, the new singles queue has successfully filled over 3,600 tee times with visiting golfers, making the process of securing a tee time much more streamlined.
Hopeful golfers looking to play the Old Course can enter their name between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. the day prior at the Old Course Pavilion near the 1st tee. Entries require a photograph to ensure that players are physically present in St. Andrews at the time of entry. A random drawing from the singles queue takes place that evening, with selected golfers being notified of their tee time. This new system allows golfers to plan their day more efficiently and eliminates the need to camp out overnight on the pavement, making the process much more comfortable for visitors.
The success rate of securing a tee time through the singles queue system is around 25%, with an average of about 12 to 20 members of the queue being selected each day. While the selection process is random, the system promotes the idea that spending more time in St. Andrews increases the likelihood of being selected for a tee time. The majority of entries come from golfers from the United States, with nearly half of the entries resulting in secured tee times. Golfers who are not selected still have the option to book tee times at the other St. Andrews courses.
In addition to the new tee time system, St. Andrews has also been selected to host the 2027 Open Championship, which coincides with a significant anniversary for the historic course. This prestigious event will bring top golfers from around the world to compete at St. Andrews, adding to the allure and appeal of playing on the iconic course. The announcement of hosting the Open Championship further solidifies St. Andrews’ reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the world.
Overall, the implementation of the new singles queue system has made the process of securing a tee time on the Old Course at St. Andrews more accessible and efficient for visiting golfers. By digitizing the queue and eliminating the need to camp out overnight, the Links Trust has successfully filled thousands of tee times with visiting golfers, making it easier for golfers to experience the historic course. With the announcement of hosting the 2027 Open Championship, St. Andrews continues to attract golfers from around the world and solidify its reputation as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
