As viewed from the Old Course Hotel, the double green at the 2nd (white flag) and 16th holes (left), Old Course. Because the ancient wall in the foreground was once called a “dyke,” the 2nd is named “Dyke” and the 16th is named “Corner of the Dyke”.

The History of The Old Course Experience

In 1995, the St Andrews Links Trust introduced guaranteed commercial tee-off times for corporate UK and overseas clients.  Keith Prowse Ltd, the market leader in the UK for the provision, marketing and management of corporate hospitality packages at major sporting, cultural and social events, was asked to manage this commercial allocation on a worldwide basis.  Subsequently, the “Old Course Experience” brand was established, under which the times are sold and marketed.
 
The guaranteed start-times are available from April to October each year as part of luxury, fully managed programs.  Each year over 4,000 golfers secure start times on the Old Course thanks to the programs offered.

About Us

Sheelagh Walker – Operations Director

Sheelagh brought experience of managing her own hospitality company to OCE in 1995, and has headed up the Operations Team since. Her personal emphasis on traditional Scottish hospitality alongside a lifetime belief in going the extra mile for the customer sets the standards for the “Experience” .

Stanford Thain – Director of Golf

Stan supervises the OCE Golf Reps and ensures that all clients have a memorable experience. A 5-handicapper, Stan is a member of St Andrews New Golf Club and has been with OCE for 10 years. His calm and irreverent style relaxes clients and  staff alike. We haven’t yet encountered a situation that has ruffled his manner, and being a born & bred St Andrean,  his knowledge of the game itself is immense. His personal attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked while the customers are in our care.

Judith Miller – Reservations Manager

Judith joined OCE in 2001 and oversees all tee-time reservations and room allocations. As one of the leaders of our backroom staff, her role is the link between the Sales Dept & the Ops team. Rarely seen by the golfers themselves, Jude is instrumental in getting their trip off to an efficient and friendly start.   

Victoria Lindsay – Sales Executive

A graduate of Edinburgh University, Victoria began her OCE career as a Golf Rep in 2004. She was such a success with our clients that we took her on full time to assist the Sales team. She is also responsible for the operations issues for most of our group business, and is their  contact during their stay.

John Williams – Event Co-ordinator

Another former OCE Golf Rep, John graduated from St Andrews University in 2005. A single figure handicap and two years spent as a Kingsbarns caddie has given John a golfing knowledge that has proved to be a great asset to the team. John is responsible for sales quotations, as well as pre-arrival information and during the season he provides much needed assistance to the Golf Director.

Lindsay Rowan – Credit Control

Lindsay graduated with MA Hons in German Language and Literature from Glasgow University in 2006.  She was one of the first ladies to caddie regularly on the Old Course, before spending two years as an OCE Rep where her language skills were often sought. Lindsay hails from a well known local golfing family and is a member of the St Rule Golf Club in St Andrews.