Introducing the Singles Daily Draw
- Fernando Llovet
- Mar 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Even though there are more than 60.000 slots to play the old every year, the probability of getting the ballot dropped from 37% to 20% in just 3 years!! This has forced visitors to do some crazy stuff, from trying to bribe other players, to spending the whole night on the tee, the race to the old course is harder than ever. But there's good news! It might be a lot easier to try and get a spare slot from now on…
The Heritage of the Old Course Ballot
The Old Course Ballot is more than just a lottery; it's a reflection of St Andrews' commitment to keeping the game inclusive(or at least it used to, a round on the old will now set you back 320£). With guaranteed tee times highly sought after and very hard to come by, the ballot system offers a glimmer of hope to those without pre-booked packages. Drawn two days in advance, except on Sundays and tournament days, it allows golfers the chance to secure a slot on this legendary course. But is there any other option to play the old course if you don’t get the ballot? Yes! But make sure to bring warm clothes, because you’re going to be spending the night with views of the North Sea, or are you?...
Introducing the Singles Daily Draw in 2024
With a predicted 10% chance of getting the ballot this summer, the first tee at the old was going to be looking like an overbooked camping. Thankfully the Links decided to have a good idea and implement a brand new system: “THE SINGLES DAILY DRAW”.
The groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine how singles can access the Old Course. Starting from 12th March 2024, this system offers a digital, equitable alternative to the not-so-civil practice of queuing up in person. Interested golfers must register their details between 9 AM and 5 PM the day before their intended play date, either at The Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse. The draw, held at 5 PM, notifies winners through SMS and email, streamlining the process and eliminating the previous necessity for long waits.
But how can you enter the ‘new ballot’:
Registration: Visit The Old Pavilion or the St Andrews Links Clubhouse to enter the draw.
The Draw Process: A random draw selects winners, who are then promptly informed.
Rules and Conditions: The system maintains fairness by limiting entries to one per person per day, eliminating the need for physical queuing.
Thoughts
I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this, it definitely will save 90-year-old grandmas from spending the night under the cold West Sand winds, but I think it loses a bit the prestige/ ability of anyone to compete for your spot. Let’s be honest it wasn’t pretty to see a line of people spending the night on the street, but it allowed people who REALLY wanted to play the old to do it, because at the end of the day if you were the first one,
there was very high odds of you playing.
If you want to learn more about it go check out their official website: https://standrews.com/articles/old_course_singles_daily_draw_news_article.
Local tip: If you want some extra chances try to be nice to students and locals, chances are they will be putting in a ballot that week and might have an extra spot you can hop on.
In the next post, you’ll get another alternative if you happen to not get the chance to play the Old, stay tuned…
