How Much Does It Cost to Play St Andrews? Old Course Green Fees
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Playing St Andrews’ Old Course is a seasonal green-fee purchase plus an official tee-time route, not a single permanent price. The 2025-26 rate sheet shows different low- and high-season prices and a discounted replay window. The official Links Trust rate sheet and booking terms should be checked before any trip. For context, see the oldest golf course in the world, New Zealand golf courses, how to play Royal County Down and the golf travel hub.
What determines the Old Course price?
Season, date, visitor route and whether a replay is eligible determine the charge.
| Cost factor | Why it changes the bill |
|---|---|
| Low or high season | Different published green fees |
| Official route | Ballot, advance booking or guaranteed-time provider |
| Replay | Some periods offer a lower replay fee within seven days |
| Add-ons | Caddie, hire clubs, travel and accommodation are separate |
Can visitors play the Old Course?
Yes, but visitors need an official booking, ballot, guaranteed-time or authorised-provider route.
The Links Trust’s current rules also set handicap and application requirements. A tee-time advert on an unofficial resale site is not proof that a visitor can legally or safely play.
Is a replay cheaper?
The published 2025-26 schedule includes a discounted replay within seven days during some periods.
The replay rule is date-sensitive and may depend on the original round and availability. Confirm it with the current rate sheet rather than relying on a travel article written for a previous season.
What does the green fee not include?
Green fees do not automatically include accommodation, transport, a caddie, club hire, insurance or meals.
Those extras can exceed the difference between low- and high-season rates. Price the complete trip, especially if you are travelling internationally for one round.
How can golfers reduce the cost?
Use an official low-season date, enter the ballot and compare approved visitor routes.
Avoid buying an unverified resale tee time. The safest saving is a flexible trip that can use another St Andrews course if the Old Course ballot is unsuccessful.
Frequently asked questions
Current fee?
Use the current official rate sheet because it changes by season and year.
Visitors allowed?
Yes, through official routes and current requirements.
Replay discount?
Available in some periods within seven days.
Accommodation included?
No.
Cheapest route?
Compare low season, ballot and approved providers.
Resale safe?
Only use verified official or authorised routes.
Bottom line
The cost to play St Andrews is a changing green fee plus the cost of getting a legitimate tee time. Start with the Links Trust rate sheet, then budget the caddie, equipment, travel and accommodation separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to play the Old Course?+
The fee changes by season and published year; the official Links Trust rate sheet is the source of truth.
What was the 2025-26 high-season Old Course fee?+
The published schedule lists a higher May-to-November rate; check the linked rate sheet for the current amount and dates.
Can visitors play without being club members?+
Yes, but they must use the official booking, ballot, guaranteed-time or authorised-provider route and satisfy the current handicap rules.
Is a replay cheaper?+
The published schedule includes a discounted replay within seven days during some periods.
Does the fee include accommodation?+
No. Green fees do not automatically include travel, accommodation, caddies or equipment.
What is the cheapest way to play?+
Compare low-season dates, the official ballot and approved access routes rather than buying an unverified resale time.
Sources
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