St. Andrew’s Golf

My husband has a milestone birthday coming up in summer 2027 and I am hoping to get him onto the Old Course at St. Andrew’s. Handicap reqs are not an issue. He’s tried his luck on the ballot sporadically over the years but never successfully so I’d like to get him a guaranteed tee time along with a stay in one of the old course hotels (Rusacks, Old Course Hotel)

We live in the UK so can be flexible on timing but May/June would be ideal. I’ve entered the annual ballot but doubt that will be successful so I’m looking at packages and feel like I am in over my head.

There are loads of agents who apparently offer this but only some are legitimately authorized (?). The hotels themselves apparently have packages with tee times but I might be too late for that. Budget not really a constraint but I also don’t want to get ripped off for no reason.

Has anyone done this trip and have any suggestions? Also any thoughts on the hotels themselves? I’ve heard good things about Rusacks but interested in thoughts from anyone who has stayed. My husband cares more about cozy / golf / whisky vibes and is less of a luxury purist.

We’ve spent a bunch of time in Scotland (I also love Gleneagles) but really looking for St. Andrew’s specifically for this one as it’s a dream for him.