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regarding my experience at the Old Course back in the mid-80's...here's the AI Overview I received after mere seconds of posting the question...lesson (hopefully) learned...form your inquiries more accurately...it'll save you much anxiety, lost time,...and embarrassment. Note that another response to my question acknowledged the use of "Bicycles" by course Rangers...knowing your penchant for extreme accuracy...

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AI Overview

Yes, in the past, it was possible for players to get a very early start on the Old Course at St. Andrews and have a ranger collect the green fee from them on the course later in the morning.

This is how the system worked:

Early morning tee-off: Before the modern, highly managed tee time system was in place, golfers could arrive at the Old Course at dawn and begin their rounds before the official starting times. This practice was more common during the Scottish summer, when there are more hours of daylight.

A "ranger" on a motorbike: During the round, a course employee, described as a "ranger" in one account, would travel the course on a motorbike or motor scooter to collect the green fees from the early-morning golfers.

A historical tradition: This practice was part of a more informal era of play at St. Andrews. Another similar tradition was the option for players to tee off after the last official tee time in the evening, taking advantage of the long summer twilight to finish their rounds quickly.

The Links Trust, which manages the St. Andrews courses, eventually ended this practice [in the 1990s] due to the wear and tear on the course from unsupervised play. All play is now restricted to official hours.
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