'Back to front' course golf competition returns to historic Old Course in St Andrews - here is how to join

Golfers from around the world are expected to descend on the historic Old Course in St Andrews for an exciting event with a twist - do you want to be one of them?

St Andrews Links Trust has announced the return of the hugely popular Old Course Reversed event in 2025, now cemented as an annual addition to the Home of Golf’s event calendar. The unique nature of the design of the course means it can be played in either clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, and for many years it was played in both directions until the current clockwise routing became the norm in the 20th century.

Golfers will have the chance to step back in time to experience the Old Course Reversed with the return of the historic routing. The initiative is back after a hugely successful launch in 2024, where 591 golfers flocked to the iconic course with visitors from as far as New Zealand taking part.

Neil Coulson, CEO of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “Old Course Reversed was re-introduced in 2024 as part of celebrations to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of St Andrews Links Trust. We are delighted it proved to be such a success with almost 600 golfers experiencing a true bucket-list experience. We are happy to announce this will now be an annual addition to our events calendar, allowing more golfers to enjoy a unique experience at the Home of Golf and to celebrate the unrivalled history of the Old Course.”

The reverse routing will be in play on April 4, 5 and 7 in 2025, with the course remaining closed on Sunday, April 6 as is tradition. Golfers will have multiple ways of seeking to access a tee time through the daily ballot and digital singles list as well as an advanced three-round public package for the Old Course, Old Course Reversed and the