Major Enhancements Planned for the Historic Old Course

News Summary

The Old Course is set to undergo significant enhancements for the 155th Open Championship in 2027. Starting November 2025, the renovation will refine strategic challenges for elite golfers while restoring classic elements for all players. Key features include lengthening the course and adding new bunkers, enhancing the competitive landscape while ensuring accessibility for everyday golfers. The plan reflects a commitment to modernizing the course while honoring its storied history.

Major Enhancements Planned for the Old Course Ahead of the 155th Open in 2027

The historic Old Course is set to undergo some thrilling changes as preparations ramp up for the highly anticipated 155th Open Championship in 2027. Starting on November 3, 2025, a comprehensive program of enhancements and restorations will kick off, with the aim of refining the strategic challenges faced by elite players while also restoring some classic elements for all golfers, both local and visiting.

Focusing on Strategic Challenges

This ambitious project comes after a thorough review of the course held after the 150th Open in 2022, where it was determined that the course could benefit from some well-considered improvements. The R&A and St Andrews Links Trust are united in their vision for the course, and the design will be in the capable hands of Mackenzie & Ebert, experts in golf course architecture and specialists in linking golf.

One of the standout features of the enhancement plan is the restoration of the historic playing route on the 16th hole. Alongside this, two new bunkers are being added, presenting greater risk and enhancing the challenge even further. With these changes, players can expect a blend of modern challenges and traditional golfing delights.

Lengthening the Course

In a significant move, the championship length of the Old Course is set to increase by 132 yards, bringing it to a formidable 7,445 yards. This adjustment will see specific holes like the 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, and 16th lengthened to bolster the competitive landscape, while the 12th hole will see a slight shortening.

New championship tees will be introduced, adding an extra 35 yards on the 5th, 17 yards on the 6th, 22 yards on the 7th, and 29 yards on the 10th. Additionally, the 11th and 16th tees are set to be enlarged by 21 yards and 10 yards respectively.

Bunkers, Bunkers, and More Bunkers!

As part of the renovations, the bunkers on the 2nd hole will be relocated to better align with the line of play, while new bunkers will be added on the 6th and 10th holes that cater to elite driving lengths. The 9th hole will also see its bunkers extended towards the playing line, and a restoration of Boase’s Bunker to its original shape will add historical context to modern play.

Meanwhile, the championship tee on the 12th hole will be repositioned for better spectator movement during the tournament, ensuring fans have a premium experience while observing the action. Even the 14th hole’s main daily play tee will receive slight adjustments to enhance playability.

Making Room for Spectators

In a bid to manage sand splash buildup over time, the 17th Road Hole Bunker will also be restored, ensuring that it remains a key challenge for competitors. These changes are not just about modernizing; they reflect a history of developments that have defined the Old Course. From adding over 60 bunkers in the early 1900s to lengthening the course by nearly 350 yards for past championships, this ongoing renovation emphasizes a commitment to retaining the course’s historical significance while evolving its character.

Looking Ahead

The changes are set to begin a new chapter for the Old Course, looking toward the future while honoring its illustrious past. Golf enthusiasts can expect an invigorating mix of challenges that will test the mettle of elite players while still being accessible for the everyday golfer, ensuring that the Old Course remains a treasured gem in the world of golf.

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