Old Course Ballot to Change
The daily ballot for the world renowned Old
Course is to change from January next year, moving to a 48 hour
ahead system of entering for the first time in its history.
For many years golfers have entered the ballot one day ahead of
when they wish to play the famous Links but from Saturday, January
7, 2012 golfers will enter two days before.
The ballot is designed to give golfers who have been unable to book
in advance the chance to play when they are in St Andrews. It
will dovetail with the one-day ahead booking system on the Jubilee,
Eden and Strathtyrum courses and will enable golfers who have been
unsuccessful in the ballot to book an alternative course for the
day they want to play.
Euan Loudon, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said, "We
hope the 48 hour ahead system will help local golfers plan their
golf and will encourage visiting golfers to stay longer in St
Andrews and play more golf while they are here. The feedback we
have received from many travel operators and hotel and guest house
owners suggests it will make it easier for them to plan their
clients’ golf itineraries.”
To enter the ballot requires at least two golfers and they will
have to enter their names, home clubs and handicaps by 2pm. The
entries can be made by phone on 01334 466666 or in person at any of
the three clubhouses at the Links.
