Those planning to head to the Home of Golf next year (2012) will find it easier to get a game of golf on the Old Course at St. Andrews.
The St. Andrews Links Trust, that manages the Old Course and other courses in St. Andrews, has announced changes to the ballot system to play the famed Old Course.
Instead of the present 24-hour period there will now be a 48-hour ahead ballot to allow those unsuccessful in the ballot to arrange an alternate game of golf.
The changes to the process of booking a tee time on the world’s most famous golf course also has been given a resounding thumbs up by the trade body representing hotels and restaurants in and around St. Andrews.
The move was announced by the St. Andrews Links Trust new chief executive, Euan Loudon.
“This is an historic moment of change and one that has been carefully considered by Trustees and the Links Management Committee, so we believe it is now time to change”, said Loudon.
The 48-hour ahead ballot will be drawn for the first time on Saturday January 7, 2012 for play on Monday January 9, 2012.
The St. Andrews Hotel and Guest House Association, otherwise known as ‘Stayinstandrews’, had been instrumental in the drive to change the old 24-hour ballot which many felt left golfers unable to plan their golfing trips effectively.
The Old Course ballot, which was devised to give golfers the chance to play the famous links even if they hadn’t booked a new tee time, has become a key part of playing golf in St. Andrews.
It is now hoped the change to a 48-hour system will benefit golfers by letting them know further in advance when and if they will be able to play the Old Course.
“The 24-hour ballot was one of the many idiosyncrasies of playing the Old Course,” said Stephen Owen, president of Stayinstaandrews to the St. Andrews Herald/Citizen newspaper.
“It was down to fate if you got a tee time which anyone could get a game, but it didn’t provide you with much leeway in terms of arranging your stay. The new system will give visitors the information they need to enjoy their visit rather than being forced into making last minute arrangements.
“As a result, it’s a move that our members fully endorse.”
The change to a 48-hour ballot to play the Old Course followed an extensive consultation programme that engaged with numerous local golfers, golf clubs, golf organisations, hoteliers, travel operators and tourism bodies, of which Stayinstandrews was one.
“The consensus among the many different people and organisations we consulted, including Stayinstandrews, was in favour of changing the ballot to 48 hours ahead,” said Loudon.
“We believe this is an important change which will make it easier for people to plan their golf in St. Andrews.”
