St Andrews Announces Historic Fee Reduction for Old Course, Aiming to Boost Scottish Participation

St Andrews, home of golf and host of The Open Championship every five years, is making a significant move to broaden access to its iconic courses. Starting May 1st and continuing through October, the St Andrews Links Trust will offer 179 reduced-fee tee times on the Old Course at £42.50 per round – an 87.5% discount from the regular high season green fees of £340. This initiative is designed to make golf more accessible to Scottish residents and encourage greater participation in the sport within the country.

The scheme will initially provide reduced rates on the Old Course, but also extends to the Castle, Jubilee, and Eden courses. The Castle course will be available for £22.50 (down from £180), the Jubilee course for £18.75 (down from £150), and the Eden course for £9.50 (down from £75). Residents of St Andrews are already eligible to purchase an annual Links ticket, granting access to seven courses for a cost of £386.

The Old Course at St Andrews boasts a rich history, dating back to the 15th century and is considered the birthplace of golf. Hosting The Open Championship has solidified its global reputation as a premier golfing destination. Currently, Trump Turnberry holds the title of Scotland’s most expensive golf course, with rounds costing up to £1,000. To ensure equitable access, the St Andrews initiative will operate through a two-ball ballot system for 11 reduced-fee slots on the Old Course, beginning May 21st.

Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of the St Andrews Links Trust, emphasized the organization’s commitment to public access. “Golf has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with this surge in demand, our courses have reached unprecedented levels,” he stated. “We remain dedicated to providing the best possible experience for both ticket holders and visitors while ensuring that this invaluable sporting asset remains available to the wider public.”

Former European Tour player Alan Tait welcomed the news, expressing pride in the global interest in Scotland’s iconic golf courses. However, he cautioned against over-commercialization, stating, “It makes me proud that there is such a demand that people from all over the world want to come to our beautiful country and play these amazing golf courses. But we just need to be careful that we don’t overstep the mark because we don’t want the Americans to stop coming and we certainly don’t want it priced out of reach for Scottish people who wish to play their own courses in Scotland.” The St Andrews Links Trust also confirmed that St Andrews will continue as host of The Open Championship in 2027, with Trump Turnberry currently holding the title for the most expensive golf course in the UK at £1,000 per round.