More than 14,500 Scottish golfers have jumped at the chance to tee off at the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews for a fraction of the usual cost. The St Andrews Links Trust, which oversees all seven public courses in the town, has revealed a staggering 14,547 applications were submitted for just 81 four-ball slots on the Old and Eden Courses this May and June. That equates to a one-in-90 shot at playing the iconic Old Course, and for only £42.50. Usually priced at £340 during peak season, the heavily discounted rounds are part of the Trust’s new ‘Drive’ initiative, designed to broaden access to golf and encourage participation across all ages and skill levels, Scottish Daily Express reports. The offer launched with 179 tee times available to 716 Scottish golfers, offering up to 87.5 percent off summer green fees across the Old, Castle, Jubilee, and Eden courses. It marks an attempt to make the Home of Golf more accessible at a time when prices across Scotland’s premier courses have soared. A recent study found average green fees have jumped 67 percent over five years at 30 of the country’s best-known venues. At Gleneagles, for example, a summer round on the King’s Course has risen from £140 to £330, while the Duke’s Course in St Andrews now costs £220, up from £100. The first wave of lucky golfers will play today, Wednesday, May 21, with 44 teeing off on the legendary Old Course at just £42.50 each. Others will play the Eden Course for only £9.50. Later this year, more affordable rounds will be available on the Castle and Jubilee Courses, with September and October slots opening for applications on 6 August. Under the initiative, players will pay £22.50 to play the Castle Course, usually £180, and £18.75 for the Jubilee Course, which normally costs £150. According to the Trust, the overwhelming interest shows just how much demand there is among local players to experience St Andrews. Most applications were for two-ball tee times, underscoring the competitive nature of the ballot. Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “We are delighted so many golfers across Scotland have embraced The Drive and are so keen to come to play our famous courses. “As the Home of Golf, we believe in widening access to the sport and this new initiative is part of our drive to provide opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities. "Given the huge number of applications, it is clear the demand is there for Scottish golfers to experience St Andrews Links, and we are already looking at how we can expand the initiative into 2026 and beyond with more times. “We now look forward to welcoming those who have been successful in applying for tee times on the Old Course and the Eden Course, and hope golfers across Scotland can enjoy some excellent golf.” While the Drive scheme is still in its pilot phase, the Trust has confirmed it is already exploring ways to grow the programme for next year, potentially offering more players the chance to walk the same fairways as legends.