HUNDREDS OF SCOTTISH GOLFERS TEED OFF AT THE HOME OF GOLF IN LANDMARK INITIATIVE
Golfers across Scotland reacted with joy at the opportunity to play St Andrews’ historic courses at discounted rates through the Home of Golf’s new initiative, ‘The Drive’.
Comments from golfers who were fortunate to be drawn from thousands of applicants were overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
The initiative kicked off on 21 May 2025 with tee times on the iconic Old Course, with golfers paying just £42.50 to play, an 87.5% discount on the regular high season green fee of £340.
More than 14,000 golfers applied for the discounted tee times with 324 Scottish golfers successful in securing a slot, including 44 who played the iconic Old Course.
Christine McConnell, who is a member at Whitecraigs Golf Course in Glasgow, played with her partner Sam Bunce who were both playing the Old Course for the first time. She recalled how their first date together was on a golf course and said it was a special experience visiting the Home of Golf together. She said: “We met through our love of golf on an online dating site and decided to have our first date at Monifieth Golf Links. I played really well but Sam not so much, I think he was maybe nervous!”
“We saw the initiative on Scottish news and thought, let’s go in for it. I’m so grateful to get to play, it’s like a lottery win.” Following her round McConnell added: “It was an amazing opportunity for us to play the Old Course, we can’t thank St Andrews Links Trust more. It’s fabulous for Scottish golfers who are members at courses around Scotland to have the chance to play here.”
Alan Stewart, member at Uphall Golf Club just outside of Livingston was playing the Old Course for the first time with his best friend of 40 years, Barry Holt, who secured the tee time. Alan said: “We’ve known each other for 40 years now and it’s finally paid off!
“When I got the call from Barry I stopped working and started jumping around the living room. It’s fantastic, I think it’s a great initiative, for amateur Scottish golfers this is the pinnacle. This is the bucket list. I barely slept I’m so excited.”
Alan Spiden, member at Haddington Golf Club in East Lothian who was celebrating his 60th birthday and playing with his friend of 25 years, Charlie Hogg, said: “When this offer came up it was absolutely incredible. Charlie won the draw and kindly invited me” Following his round Spiden added; “It was outstanding, absolutely brilliant. It was our first time playing the Old Course and to walk up the 18th fairway with that view, it was unbelievable.”
A further 280 Scottish golfers played the Eden Course from 27 May – 3 June, with a reduced green fee of just £9.50 (normally £75). Each day had a designated theme, with tee times available to those serving in the armed forces, golfers with a disability, emergency services & NHS workers, women, families, Scottish golf club members, and volunteers.
Trevor Crombie, member at Dunnikier Park Golf Club in Kirkcaldy and disability golfer started his golf journey in 2013 through the Fife based Scottish Disability Golf and Curling organisation.
Speaking before his first time playing the Eden Course, Trevor said: “Golf has opened a lot of doors for me. It’s fantastic to raise awareness of golf as a sport for people with a disability and St Andrews Links have fantastic facilities that are suitable for all. Playing golf in St Andrews isn’t something that’s feasible for me very often, so having this initiative is brilliant.”
Royal Marines Corporal Daniel Rogerson from Edinburgh, who was playing in St Andrews for the very first time with his colleagues, said: “When I first saw the email I thought it was a one-in-a-million chance, but I was delighted when we found out we had been successful. I’m very excited for today, to come to St Andrews and play here is a bit of a dream come true.”
Ben Corrin, who was previously based at Leuchars airbase in Fife and is currently serving in the Royal Air Force, spoke before his first ever round on the Eden Course.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the news that I had been successful in the ballot, I was ecstatic. What St Andrews Links is doing for us is brilliant, showing a bit of appreciation for the armed forces and what we do for the country is really appreciated.”
Commenting on the success of the initiative,Laurie Watson, Director of Engagement at St Andrews Links Trust said: “We’re delighted to have received such an overwhelming response to this first phase of The Drive. Our starters saw first-hand the emotion that golfers brought to the first tee, many who were playing in St Andrews for the very first time.
“The feedback received reinforces our commitment to widening access to our golf courses and ensuring that St Andrews remains a place that everyone is welcome.”
The response to the first phase of the initiative far exceeded expectations and will see a further 392 golfers receive discounted rounds across the Castle and Jubilee Courses later in the year.
The positive response has reaffirmed the Trust’s mission to preserve access to the game while offering more opportunities for Scottish residents to have a St Andrews experience at the Home of Golf.
Further details, including ballot dates and eligibility criteria, will be shared on the St Andrews Links website shortly here: https://standrews.com/drive
To see highlights from the first phase of The Drive, including player reactions and footage from the courses, watch the official roundup video here: https://youtu.be/7UaegUj3Sro
