FlyStayPlay.com

One of my favorite holes in the world! Would love to see the course with all the stands up. What a cool experience!

Old Course, St Andrews Yas Links Kingsbarns Chambers Bay Jumeirah - Earth Course Tobacco Road Kiawah Island North Berwick Pinehurst #2 Streamsong - Black

I have been fortunate enough to play quite a bit internationally and my best tip is to use credit card points to cover the cost of flights and hotels so you can splurge on the golf. Using the signup bonus from just one or two credit cards, you fly in business or first class to Europe for just taxes and fees (usually <$200) while getting a good nights sleep in a lay-flat seat! When you fly using points/miles, your bags are typically free so you don't need to worry about shipping your clubs. My most memorable flight was between Abu Dhabi and NYC where I flew in an Etihad first class suite which includes a bed and shower (yes, a shower on an airplane). My total cost for this flight was 115k American Airlines miles + $62 in taxes (for a flight that would cost over $10k cash). While in UAE, I was able to play Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach, and Jumeirah Golf Estates (home of European Tour Championship), in part because of the money I saved on the flights.

I have played the old course twice and both times, I showed up to the starter shack at ~3am and waited for them to open. Both times, there were already several people waiting and more people showed up the closer it got to opening time. Both times, I was easily able to get out and it appeared that most of the other people in line were able to get tee times as well, so if you have a few days and there are no special events, I would get out there by ~5:30am and you should be able to score a tee time at some point during the day. Alternatively, this website has a "ballot buddy" program that allows you to team up with other singles to get on the ballot for tee times. Using both methods above, you have a 99%+ chance (IMO) of being able to play the old course if you are there for a few days. Enjoy!