Old Course sees record bookings

St Andrew's old course is known across the golfing world

More than 1,000 applications to play the famous Old Course in St Andrews in 2008 have been received in 15 minutes.

After the advanced reservations opened at 1000 BST on Wednesday, a record 1,100 applications flooded in to the St Andrews Links Trust.

Most were received by e-mail as golfers from around the world sought to secure coveted tee times at the home of golf.

Tee times up for grabs were from 28 June to 31 October 2008 for the seventh St Andrews Links Trust course.

Alan McGregor, general manager of the Links Trust, said: "Since we changed the advanced reservations process a few years ago to invite everyone to apply at the same time we have become accustomed to surges of applications but to receive more than 1,000 applications in the space of 15 minutes is quite remarkable.

"It is testament to the regard in which golfers round the world hold the Old Course that there is such interest in securing a time to play next year.

"Although there is a high level of demand most of the applications will be successful."