More than 670 golfers have had the once-a-year opportunity to enjoy one of the most sought-after experiences in golf – playing The Old Course Reversed.

It offers players the opportunity to tackle the renowned links course from both directions for just three days a year.

Over 7,900 golfers from 63 countries applied for public packages for the bucket-list event, which was hosted by St Andrews Links Trust this week.

In recognition of the historic nature of The Old Course, the event restores the original clockwise routing to provide a glimpse back to the course as it was first played in the 15th century.

Sir Andy Murray had the unique experience of playing the Old Course in reverse (Pic: Submitted)

placeholder image — Sir Andy Murray had the unique experience of playing the Old Course in reverse (Pic: Submitted)

The course was initially designed to be played in either clockwise or anticlockwise direction. From the 1400s, The Old Course emerged and evolved from the living landscape, with outward and inward holes played to the same greens and fairways. In 1870 Old Tom Morris introduced the current 1st green by splitting it from the 17th, which formed the anticlockwise routing that is in play today.

Tee times were available across three full days of play, with the Saturday reserved for a dedicated competition day for 172 Links ticketholders as part of the Trust’s longstanding commitment to public access.

In addition to public times, partners of St Andrews Links attended for the first day of play including Callaway, which brought its "Nothing Beats This" campaign to the Home of Golf featuring a host of ambassadors including tennis legend, Sir Andy Murray.

First held in 2023 to commemorate the Trust’s 50th anniversary as the custodian of the Home of Golf, The Old Course Reversed has captured the imaginations of golfers worldwide.

Golfers on the 19th green of the Old Course playing it in reverse (Pic: Submitted)

James Ralley, commercial director at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “The Old Course Reversed is one of golf’s most unique and sought-after events, and it’s an experience that both professional and amateur golfers will always remember.

“The rich history of our courses is a key element of our identity at the Home of Golf and celebrating the ancient roots of the sport is hugely important to us.

“We were delighted to bring the event back for a third year to allow more golfers than ever to experience The Old Course as it was originally played.”

For those unable to secure a tee time, The Old Course Reversed has been added to Toptracer’s Virtual Golf offering for a limited time. In 2025, 41,354 rounds were played by golfers from 35 countries across the month-long virtual competition.

This year’s competition will run until May 17, and entry will be available at Toptracer Range sites. The player with the lowest score will win a tee time for two at The Old Course.