More than 670 golfers have had the once-a-year opportunity to enjoy one of the most sought-after experiences in golf – The Old Course Reversed.

Described as one of golf’s most iconic traditions, The Old Course Reversed offers players the opportunity to tackle the renowned links course from both directions for just three days a year.

Over 7,900 golfers from 63 countries applied for public packages for the bucket-list event, which was hosted by St Andrews Links Trust across 17, 18 and 20 April.

In recognition of the historic nature of The Old Course, the event restores the original clockwise routing to offer a glimpse of the course as it was first played in the 15th century.

The course was initially designed to be played clockwise or anticlockwise. From the 1400s, the Old Course emerged and evolved from the living landscape, with outward and inward holes played to the same greens and fairways. In 1870, Old Tom Morris introduced the current 1st green by splitting it from the 17th, creating the anticlockwise routing in play today.

The Old Course Reversed reveals new challenges and perspectives on the well-loved course. Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods said: “I’ve always wanted to play it backwards, one time before I die” because the reversed direction makes it “very apparent” why certain bunkers were placed.

Tee times were available across three full days of play, with the Saturday reserved for a dedicated competition day for 172 Links ticketholders as part of the Trust’s longstanding commitment to public access.

In addition to public times, partners of St Andrews Links attended on the first day of play, including Callaway Golf, which brought its "Nothing Beats This" campaign to the Home of Golf, featuring a host of its ambassadors, including tennis legend Sir Andy Murray.

First held in 2023 to commemorate the Trust’s 50th anniversary as the custodian of the Home of Golf, The Old Course Reversed has captured the imaginations of golfers worldwide.

James Ralley, Commercial Director at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “The Old Course Reversed is one of golf’s most unique and sought-after events, and it’s an experience that both professional and amateur golfers will always remember.

“The rich history of our courses is a key element of our identity at the Home of Golf, and celebrating the ancient roots of the sport is hugely important to us.

“We were delighted to bring the event back for a third year to allow more golfers than ever to experience The Old Course as it was originally played.”

For those who were unable to secure a tee time, The Old Course Reversed has been added to Toptracer’s Virtual Golf offering for a limited time. In 2025, 41,354 rounds were played by golfers from 35 countries across the month-long virtual competition.

This year’s competition will run from 16 April 2026 to 17 May 2026, and entry will be available at Toptracer Range sites. The player with the lowest score will win a tee time for two at The Old Course.