The Old Course at St Andrews is golf’s most iconic venue, often referred to as The Home of Golf. In preparation for hosting The Open Championship for a record?equalling 31st time in July 2027, the course is undergoing a carefully planned series of enhancements and restorations – designed to both modernise play for elite golfers and preserve its historic character.
Why the Changes are Happening
After a full review following The 150th Open in 2022, The R&A and St Andrews Links Trust agreed that the Old Course would benefit from strategic updates. The goal is to refine the challenge for top professionals while improving the everyday playing experience for locals and visitors alike – something that’s been part of the Old Course’s evolution for generations.
Key Enhancements to Look Out For
Here’s what’s being done ahead of The 155th Open:
- Lengthened Holes: Six holes (5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 16th) will be extended, increasing total championship yardage by 132 yards, to 7,445 yards from the championship tees.
- Slight Shortening: The 12th hole will be slightly reduced to help with tournament logistics and spectator flow.
- New and Adjusted Bunkers: Several bunkers will be relocated or added, including at driveable distances on the 6th and 10th, parts of the 2nd, and expanded approach bunkers on the 9th.
- Historic Restoration on the 16th: A historic playing route to the left of Principal’s Nose and Deacon Sime will be reinstated, adding strategic options and restoring classic design elements.
- Road Hole Bunker Work: The famous 17th Road Hole bunker will be sympathetically restored to manage sand buildup, without significantly altering its iconic appearance.
- Irrigation Updates: Alongside these tweaks, upgrades to the course’s irrigation system and infrastructure will improve turf health and long?term sustainability.
Respecting History, Enhancing Strategy
Despite the scepticism of altering a course so historic, organisers stress that the Old Course’s historic character will remain intact. Design specialists Mackenzie & Ebert have overseen the work, ensuring that enhancements respect tradition while delivering strategic nuance for the modern game. Some adjustments might be subtle to the casual player, but they’re intended to maintain the links’ strategic depth at the highest level of competition.
What This Means for Your Scotland Golf Trip
For anyone planning a St Andrews golf itinerary, the upcoming changes present a rare chance to experience a course that honours its rich history while being fine-tuned to challenge the world’s top players. Playing the Old Course during an Open year is an experience very few golfers get to enjoy, and is truly an unforgettable experience.
Securing A Guaranteed Old Course Tee Time:
Links Golf St Andrews are an Authorised Provider of guaranteed Old Course tee times. Please note that all of our Old Course tee times for 2026 have now been allocated.
For golfers looking to plan ahead, availability remains for 2027 and 2028 golf tours, including guaranteed Old Course tee times. Contact the Links Golf team to discuss your St Andrews golf tour requirements – Contact Us
Places are also available on our St Andrews Golf Week events in October 2026 and April and October 2027, all of which include guaranteed play on the Old Course. Find out more about St Andrews Golf Week – St Andrews Golf Week
