Old Course Overhaul

Ahead of the 155th Open Championship in 2027, the Old Course at St Andrews is set to undergo a sensitive but significant overhaul.

Traditionalists will no doubt be disapproving, but ongoing improvements in equipment, especially driver heads, along with elite players' distance off the tee, make it necessary if the ‘Old Lady’ is to survive the modern golf era.

Six holes (5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 16) will be lengthened, while the 12th will be shortened, adding 132 yards and taking the course to an overall 7,445 yards. The 16th hole will see one of the most dramatic changes: a historic fairway route is being restored to the left of the “Principal’s Nose” and “Deacon Sime” bunkers, along with two new bunkers to raise the risk-reward challenge. 

On the 2nd hole, bunkers will be relocated to suit how modern players approach the green. Bunkers will also be added to the 6th and 10th holes. The 9th will see Boase’s Bunker restored to a larger, more angular shape.

All in all, these changes reflect a careful balance, preserving the Old Course’s heritage while subtly tweaking it for modern championship play.