The Old Course Reopening On Wednesday To Yearly Ticketholders

Given its age and lack of significant closures (except Sundays), there is something symbolic and reassuring to know the Old Course and other St Andrews courses reopen Wednesday.

GolfDigest.com’s Joel Beall with the particulars, just in case you were thinking of trying to get on the ballot.

It will not be business as usual. The letter states that “at this time all courses are available for Yearly Ticket holders only.” Tee times will be made in 12-minute intervals with two golfers per tee time.

There will also be no walk-ups, so if necessary there is a track and trace record of who is on the links.

Last week Scottish Golf confirmed that May 29 would be the earliest return date for Scottish courses. However, a number of courses, especially those in Edinburgh, are targeting June 8 for re-opening.

In other St Andrews-adjacent news, one of the all time great golf pros is hanging up his spikes, and now Crail gets just its second pro in club history.

From Martin Dempster’s story on Graeme Lennie deciding to retire year’s end, to be replaced by David Snodgrass.

“The messages of congratulations have been truly 
overwhelming and humbling. I am extremely passionate about Crail GS and the local community and I am very excited for the 
journey ahead.

“Crail is an incredibly special club, with two amazing courses, a friendly and supportive membership and it is a dream come true to become the next head professional.”

Lennie is retiring after 
34 years, during which time he has helped establish the club as one of Scotland’s favourite golfing destinations. It was also his close friendship with renowned course designer Gil Hanse that led to the American designing Crail’s Craighead Links that opened for play in 1998.

For those dreaming of a St Andrews area itinerary, please keep the courses at Crail in mind. You’ll enjoy this view even more in person:

And the 14th hole on Hanse’s Craighead course: