Staff WriterWork is set to begin next week on a major restoration and enhancement project at The Old Course St Andrews, the world’s most storied golfing stage, as preparations ramp up for The 155th Open in 2027.
The programme will refine the strategic challenge for elite players while restoring traditional features that have subtly evolved over time. The goal: to keep The Old Course St Andrews as testing for today’s professionals as it has been for generations of golfers before them — without losing the character that makes it golf’s holiest ground.
At the same time, the course’s ageing irrigation system will be upgraded, providing modern precision for turf management. Both projects will run in tandem, ensuring minimal disruption for the thousands of golfers who make the pilgrimage to St Andrews each year.
A Heritage of Constant Evolution
Following the success of The 150th Open in 2022, the course underwent a detailed review led by the St Andrews Links Trust and The R&A. Their findings shaped the upcoming plan, which will be executed by renowned golf architects Mackenzie & Ebert, specialists in links golf design.
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.
“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.”
Neil Coulson, Chief Executive of St Andrews Links Trust, added: “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.”
Refining History, Not Rewriting It
This isn’t the first time The Old Course St Andrews has evolved. Over the centuries, the links have seen sweeping changes — from the addition of more than 60 bunkers between 1899 and 1905 to almost 350 yards of extra length before The 129th Open in 2000 and The 134th Open in 2005.
The last significant adjustments came ahead of the 144th Open in 2015, when bunkers were reshaped, and the 11th green was regraded to offer new pin positions.
This time, attention will centre on the 16th hole, where an historic playing route to the left of the Principal’s Nose and Deacon Sime bunkers will be restored. Two additional bunkers will be added to inject risk and reward into the extended fairway.
Six holes — the 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 16th — will be lengthened, while the 12th will be shortened slightly. The overall championship yardage will rise to 7,445 yards, an increase of 132 yards.
New tees will be introduced on the 5th (+35 yards), 6th (+17 yards), 7th (+22 yards) and 10th (+29 yards), while tee enlargements will extend the 11th (+21 yards) and 16th (+10 yards).
Fine-Tuning the Details
Other refinements include the relocation of two right-side bunkers on the 2nd hole to better match the modern line of play. The 6th and 10th will gain new bunkers positioned precisely at elite driving distance.
On the 9th, Boase’s Bunker will be restored to its original, larger shape, while approach bunkers will edge closer to the fairway line.
Spectator flow will improve thanks to a slight realignment of the championship tee on the 12th, and the 14th’s main tee will be repositioned for better daily play.
Even the Road Hole Bunker on the iconic 17th will get a careful restoration to counter sand splash build-up accumulated over the years.
Preserving Golf’s Spiritual Home
Work officially begins on 3 November, with irrigation upgrades already underway as of 27 October. Once complete, The Old Course St Andrews will stand renewed yet unmistakably familiar — a course that honours its past while embracing the needs of modern championship golf.
The Old Lady’s not getting a facelift — just a respectful touch-up before she welcomes the world back for The Open once again.
