Golfers will have the opportunity to play the Old Course earlier in the day for four months next summer following a recent decision by the Links Management Committee. During May, June, July and August 2002, the Old Course will open at 6.30am, half an hour earlier than its usual time of 7am. This will make over 250 extra tee times available on what is probably the most popular golf course in the world.
“This decision has been made in the hope that it will help offset the anticipated loss of business next season following the events of 11th September,” said Alan McGregor, general manager at St Andrews Links Trust, the body which manages the six links courses at St Andrews. “As the largest golf complex in Europe, the Trust is fully aware of its responsibility to golf tourism in Scotland and, given the current exceptional circumstances, is making this move for the 2002 season only.”
The new opening time on the Old Course will come into operation on Monday, 13th May and end on Saturday, 31st August. Half the extra tee-times will be allocated to the daily ballot, and half will be available for golfers to book in advance through the Links Trust. Early tee-times on the Old Course will be sold in advance only in conjunction with two other early times (before 7am), one on the 105-year-old championship Jubilee Course, and one on the Eden Course, designed in 1914 by Harry Colt.
“The aim is to encourage golfers to stay in the area for a few days and after their early bird rounds they will be able to sample other courses in the area,” explained Mr McGregor. “We expect demand to be high and advise people to book early.”
The cost of the three rounds is £160 and bookings opened on 30th November. The handicap limit for the Old is 24 for men and 36 for ladies and a valid certificate is needed. Bookings cannot be made for Saturdays and the Old Course is closed on Sundays. To make a booking, please contact the Reservations Office, Pilmour House, St Andrews KY16 9SF Scotland by telephone + 44 (0)1334 466666, fax + 44 (0)1334
477036 or email reservations@standrews.org.uk
St Andrews Links Trust www.standrews.org.uk