The 2027 Open: Old Course set for historic renovation

For many years there has been speculation and conjecture about the Old Course's status on the Rota for The Open, not due to its ability to handle the infrastructure, but due to the course and its ability to challenge the best golfers in the world. So, despite many traditionalists objecting, the R&A and St Andrews Links have announced a series of enhancements to the Old Course, to be undertaken alongside a major irrigation project which commences this month.

R&A CEO Mark Darbon said: "Working with St Andrews Links Trust we have commissioned Mackenzie & Ebert to carry out a carefully planned programme of work to enhance and restore the challenge of the Old Course in a few key areas. Our approach is grounded in deep respect for the course’s unparalleled history.

“We believe this work is important in ensuring the Old Course continues to evolve and challenge the world’s best golfers in the years to come while enhancing the experience of local and visiting golfers.”

St Andrews Links CEO Neil Coulson said: "Every generation has played a part in shaping the Old Course, and this latest programme continues that long tradition. The work will restore features that have changed subtly over time and refine others to preserve the course’s unique character.

“Our guiding principle is simple: to protect what makes the Old Course so special while ensuring it continues to offer a fair, challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of every level. The Old Course has never stood still. Its enduring greatness lies in its ability to adapt while retaining its soul.”

So what are the changes being undertaken?

The 5th hole will be extended to more than 600 yards, restoring the challenge of the tee shot, and bringing the 7 sisters bunkers back into play for the best golfers in the world, this means both the par fives will play more than 600 yards

The R&A Press Release says: One of the most significant areas of work will be on the 16th hole where an historic playing route will be restored to the left of the Principal’s Nose and Deacon Sime bunkers along with the addition of two bunkers to add risk on the left hand side of the extended fairway.

Six holes will be lengthened – the 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 16th – while one will be shortened slightly – the 12th. The overall championship yardage of the course will increase by 132 yards to 7,445 yards. New championship tees will be created on the 5th, adding 35 yards, the 6th, adding 17 yards, the 7th, adding 22 yards, and the 10th, adding 29 yards. Tee enlargements will see increases in length at the 11th (21 yards) and the 16th (10 yards).

The 10th hole will be extended by 29 yards to 370 yards, increasing the risk in the risk-reward nature of the hole

On the 2nd, the two right side drive length bunkers will be relocated farther on and to the left to make them more relevant to the line of play. New bunkers will be added at elite level drive length on the 6th and the 10th. On the 9th, the right side approach bunkers will be extended slightly toward the line of play, including Boase’s Bunker which will be restored to its larger and less rounded shape.

The 11th hole will be extended to 195 yards, restoring the challenge of this fearsome par 3

The championship tee on the 12th will be realigned slightly to help ease championship spectator movement in this location and the main daily play tee on the 14th will be realigned and re-positioned slightly.

On the 17th, the Road Hole Bunker will be sympathetically restored to reduce the effect of sand splash build-up over time.

Work is scheduled to get underway on-site on 3 November. Separately, work on upgrading the Old Course irrigation system will commence week beginning 27 October.

The 16th hole will be extended to 433 yards, with significant enhancements on the left side of the fairway to add to the challenge of playing one of the closing holes

There can be no doubt that the Old Course has needed these enhancements, and the irrigation project should improve the playing surfaces, so with great course set up, the 2027 Open should be one of the best in modern times.

These enhancements add to the risk-reward nature of several holes, and restore the challenge of others, but one thing which can really enhance the course for The Open is effective course set-up. Thickening the rough on the 17th and narrow the driving area would really put the fear back into this hole, and punish inaccurate driving, and reward accuracy. It would also restore the importance of a skilful approach.

SHANK, by Matt Hooper