Lackluster British Open doesn't slow down St. Andrews popularity for 2011

Off the heals of the lowest TV-rated final round of the British Open in history and raised green fees by the St. Andrews Links Trust for 2011, it appears golfers all over the world are still putting the Old Course at the top of their golf travel list.

The Links Trust reports they received a record-breaking 1,500 email tee time inquiries this morning within 20 minutes of opening up availability in 2011 for the Old Course and Castle Course in St. Andrews.

Summer green fees for 2011 on the Old Course were raised 10 pounds to 140, while the St. Andrews New Course and Jubilee Course were raised 5 pounds each to 70 pounds. As of now, it’s about 1 USD to 1.54 British Pounds (and 1.28 Euros) according to XE.com.

You can still write the Links Trust and request a tee time on the Old for next year - and cancellations do happen from the opening wave of applicants, though you’ll need to get a bit lucky. If you missed the opening wave this morning, the best bet is either a guaranteed tee time golf package or entering the Old Course lottery when you’re in town (ideally, stay in Fife or St. Andrews for 3-4 nights and you’re practically guaranteed a tee time). Click here for my article on how to book tee times on the Old Course in St. Andrews - plus five great courses around St. Andrews you can play if you can’t get on the Old.

While early reports of the Castle Course were a bit discouraging, according to our reader reviews at WorldGolf.com, it appears the course is growing in better and golfers are liking it more and more. The Old Course on the other hand, has some of the finest turf conditions you’ll ever take a divot on.