The desire of visiting golfers to play the famous Old Course at St Andrews Links shows no sign of abating as applications for the 2013 season flood in.
More than 1,900 applications for the 2013 season were received by St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the seven Links Trust courses at the Home of Golf, on the very first morning – an increase on the previous record of 1,800 applications set for 2012.
The Old Course is renowned around the world as the place where golf was first played and has hosted 28 Open Championships, more than any other venue, with the likes of Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods in its gallery of champions.
The Old Course along with The Castle, New and Jubilee courses has been ranked in the prestigious Golf Digest Top 100 Courses. Each year, tens of thousands of golfers travel from around the world to play the famous St Andrews Links courses and experience its rich heritage and quality.
Golfers are invited to apply online directly to the Trust for Old Course tee times each September for the following year. Although demand exceeds the number of times available, there is a ballot or lottery system in operation, which is drawn 48 hours ahead of play, and tee times can also be booked on the other Links courses.
Euan Loudon, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said, “We are encouraged to receive such a high number of tee time applications. Normally in the second year after the Open Championship we would expect to see applications flatten off but this year has seen record numbers apply. These are still challenging times in terms of the economy so it is important for Scottish golf tourism that we continue to see high numbers of visiting golfers choosing to come to play here and elsewhere inScotland.
“We hope those who come here enjoy an outstanding experience playing the Old and the other Links courses. St Andrews Links offers a truly unique experience whether you have come to play, learn, shop or relax.”
The tee time applications will be processed in the coming weeks and golfers will be notified directly if their applications have been successful.
St Andrews Links Trust www.standrews.org.uk