St Andrews Old Course Restoration Adds 132 Yards for 2027
The Old Course at St Andrews will undergo enhancement and restoration work starting next week ahead of The 155th Open in 2027.
The project will refine strategic challenges for elite players whilst restoring traditional features to improve the everyday playing experience for local and visiting golfers.
The work has been carefully planned with agreement between St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the course, and The R&A, which organises The Open.
Leading golf course architects and links specialists Mackenzie & Ebert will carry out the design work.
The project represents the latest chapter in centuries of evolution at the world’s oldest golf course. Separate upgrades to the ageing irrigation system will run simultaneously to minimise disruption.
Championship Length Increases by 132 Yards
The overall championship yardage will increase from 7,313 yards to 7,445 yards. Six holes will be lengthened: the 5th (35 yards), 6th (17 yards), 7th (22 yards), 10th (29 yards), 11th (21 yards), and 16th (10 yards). The 12th hole will be shortened slightly.
New championship tees will be created on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th holes. Tee enlargements will accommodate the increases at the 11th and 16th.
The changes follow a review conducted after The 150th Open in 2022. Previous significant adjustments were made before The 144th Open in 2015, including bunker additions and removal, plus regrading work on the 11th green.
16th Hole Sees Historic Playing Route Restored
One of the most significant changes will occur on the 16th hole.
An historic playing route will be restored to the left of the Principal’s Nose and Deacon Sime bunkers. Two new bunkers will be added to introduce risk on the left side of the extended fairway.
On the 2nd hole, 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 drive length on the 6th and 10th holes.
The 9th hole will see right-side approach bunkers extended slightly toward the line of play. Boase’s Bunker will be restored to its larger and less rounded historic shape.
Course Officials Emphasise Respect for Heritage
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, 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.
Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, 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.
Coulson added: “Our guiding principle is simple: to protect what makes the Old Course so special whilst ensuring it continues to offer a fair, challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of every level.”
Additional Course Modifications Planned
The championship tee on the 12th will be realigned slightly to improve spectator movement during championships. The main daily play tee on the 14th will be realigned and repositioned slightly.
On the 17th hole, the Road Hole Bunker will be restored to reduce the effect of sand splash build-up over time.
The irrigation system upgrade will commence during the week beginning 27 October. On-site enhancement work is scheduled to begin on 3 November.
Old Course Evolution Continues Long Tradition
The Old Course at St Andrews has undergone several periods of substantial change throughout its history.
Between 1899 and 1905, over 60 new bunkers were added. Nearly 350 yards of length were added across The 129th Open in 2000 and The 134th Open in 2005.
The course has maintained its status as a challenging test for championship golf whilst remaining accessible to everyday players.
The upcoming modifications continue this balance between preserving historic character and adapting to modern championship requirements.
Work will be completed in time for The 155th Open, which returns to St Andrews in 2027.
