We were hopeful to secure a 4 ball at St. Andrews while avoiding the massive expense other operators had quoted.  He was very clear about the plan for achieving a tee time at the Old Course through the ballot, including detailed instruction on how it could be done, and what our odds were.  He suggested mid- to late April as the best chance of success and advised that this is also the least rainy part of the year.  We took his advice and trusted the process.  Well, he was right on all counts!