In the year 1457 the game was banned by King James II as it was hindering his subjects archery practice. The king's order to ban the game provides the first written record of golf. His subjects continued playing even after the ban, probably to the detriment of archery practice. The first record of the game in the town is in Archbishop Hamilton's Charter 1552. It is widely thought that the game was being played in the town, well before the foundation of the university in the year 1411.

James IV, grandson of James II, also tried to stop his Scottish subjects from playing the game, but ended up being a keen player himself. His royal influence helped the popularity of the game which then spread over Scotland. Treasury records in 1502 state he paid 14 shillings for some clubs, other entries show bills for balls. It is recorded that he lost a 14 shillings wager, on a game with the Earl of Bothwell.

                          

      Old Course Ballot

We are pleased to assist guests obtain a tee time on the Old Course via the daily ballot. Approximately 50% of Old Course starting times are not allocated to advance starting times but are allocated via the ballot.

How does the ballot process for starting times on the Old Course work?
The ballot or lottery takes place every day for the following day's play and, as the Old Course is closed on Sunday, the Saturday draw is for Monday play. Golfers (minimum two) can phone or come in person to the reception at either the Links or Eden Clubhouses and enter the ballot by giving their names, golf clubs and handicap details. The draw takes place after 2pm and the results appear first on the website - click here - and are also posted at several locations on the Links and in town. Chances of success vary according to the time of year and the weather.However we have had a very good record over the last few years of obtaining times for our guests. If you are successful, pay at the starter before you play. A handicap certificate is required and should be produced to the starter on the day (maximum handicap 24 for men, 36 for women)..

Non-Golfers

Take time to explore the town, and take pleasure at the surprises and delights you will come upon. The shops in St Andrews are varied and of the highest quality, there are many excellent coffee houses and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Scottish food. Or we can arrange a tour with a guide to show you the delights of this part of the world.

The Wee White Ball

In my hand I hold a ball, white, dimpled and rather small.
Oh how bland it does appear this harmless looking little sphere?
By its size I could not guess, the awesome strength it does possess.
But since I fell beneath its spell, I've wandered through the fires of hell.
My life has not been quite the same, since I chose to play this game.
It rules my mind for hours on end, a fortune it has made me spend.
It has made me curse and cry. I hate myself and want to die.
It promises a thing called par. If I can hit it straight and far.
To master such a tiny ball should not be very hard at all.
But my desires the ball refuses and does exactly as it chooses.
It hooks and slices, dribbles and dies, or disappears before my eyes.
Often it will have a whim to hit a tree or have a swim.
With miles of grass on which to land, it finds a tiny patch of sand.
Then it has me offering up my sole, if only it would find the hole.
It's made me whimper like a pup and swear that I will give it up.
And take to drink to ease my sorrows, but the wee ball knowsI'll be back tomorrow!

Author  Unknown

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