The Drive golf ballot to play Old Course at bargain price closes this Sunday
Over 20,000 golfers have submitted applications to play at the Home of Golf as part of an initiative offering significantly discounted prices.
The Drive has returned for the second year giving Scottish golfers the unique opportunity to experience six courses managed by St Andrews Links Trust – with green fees from £7.50.
So far, 12,000 people have entered the ballot for the historic Old Course alone, with applications set to close this Sunday, May 24.
In July, an entire day of play has been put aside on the world’s oldest course with 224 spots available for £45. The normal green fee is £355. Applications remain open for five of the opportunities to play from June to October with discounts of 88%.
At the end of April, the first Drive ballot winners teed off on the Strathtyrum, while another successful group secured the chance to play on the first of two Jubilee days earlier this week. Keen golfers still have the chance to apply to play on the Old Course, the Eden, the Craigtoun, the Jubilee and the Castle.
Sandra Tuddenham, chair of trustees at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “The first year of the initiative was a huge success and we are already seeing huge numbers of golfers applying to take part this year too. Whether this is providing a bucket-list experience or supporting people into the sport, we continue to build on the momentum of last year with significant investment.
“Over the next few months, we will welcome nearly 2,000 golfers to our courses, a tripling of the number of opportunities from 2025.
“The Home of Golf is open to all, and The Drive is part of our commitment to ensure anyone who wants to play golf can do so.”
Last month, the first successful applicants for The Drive teed off on the par-69 Strathtyrum course.
Those looking to apply for The Drive can do so via the St Andrews Links website here: https://standrews.com/page/drive
Garry Mournian, from Dyce, Aberdeen, who played with a group of friends, said: “The Drive is an absolutely brilliant initiative, and it gives everyone the opportunity to play on some of the best courses in the world.”
Those looking to apply for The Drive can do so via the St Andrews Links website here: https://standrews.com/page/drive