American Express opens St Andrews Links Access to Card Members

Type: Distribution - payments partnership and exclusive golf access
Sport: Golf
Announced: August 2026

• American Express has partnered with St Andrews Links Trust as the Official Payments Partner of St Andrews Links, adding the Home of Golf to its global sports partnership portfolio. The partnership is designed to give eligible American Express Card Members greater access to the historic Scottish golf destination.
• Through the partnership, eligible Consumer, Business and Corporate American Express Platinum Card and Centurion Members in select countries can apply through an Amex-exclusive process for the chance to purchase a golf package for themselves and one guest at select St Andrews Links courses in 2027. The package includes the opportunity to play the Old Course, which has hosted golf’s oldest major championship a record 30 times.
• The Amex-exclusive application window opens August 26 at 10 a.m. BST for eligible Centurion Members and September 2 at 10 a.m. BST for eligible Platinum Card Members, closing at 11:59 p.m. BST on September 9. St Andrews Links Trust will select successful applicants using the same random draw mechanism as its existing Swilcan Package process.
• Selected Card Members who purchase a package will receive additional perks including complimentary pull trolleys across all courses and a customised photography gift commemorating their round on the Old Course. Handicap restrictions and other terms apply.
• Shiz Suzuki, Vice President, Global Brand Sponsorships & Experiential Marketing, American Express, said: “Golf and premium travel continue to be passions of our Card Members globally, and there are few places in the world more legendary than St Andrews. We’re proud of this first-of-its-kind partnership with St Andrews Links Trust to provide the meaningful access American Express is known for, and to create new ways for eligible Platinum Card and Centurion Members to not only experience this historic destination, but also to play at the Home of Golf.”
• James Ralley, Commercial Director, St Andrews Links Trust, said: “St Andrews Links has welcomed golfers from around the world for generations, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance the visitor experience and connect with new audiences internationally. This partnership will open up a new channel to help us raise awareness of our brand and existing visitor golf opportunities across a broader international audience while preserving the traditions and accessibility that make St Andrews so special. We are delighted to work with American Express on this unique partnership that will help introduce more golfers to St Andrews Links and support more investment into the Home of Golf.”
• The partnership does not change the number of tee times available to local golfers or other traditional access routes, according to the announcement. St Andrews will also continue its affordable golf initiatives, while the Trust reinvests surplus from its commercial activities into preserving the Home of Golf and delivering its charitable objectives.

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