The Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, will undergo updates ahead of the 155th Open in 2027.
St. Andrews is more than just a golf course—it’s the spiritual home of golf. The Old Course, in particular, is a living monument to the game’s history, where legends have battled wind, bunkers, and time. Yet even this iconic venue is not immune to change. In preparation for the 155th Open Championship in 2027, construction will begin in November 2025 to balance tradition with the demands of modern elite golf.
Old Course St. Andrews: Tradition Meets Modern Demands
The most significant change is added length. Six holes—5, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 16—will be extended, adding a total of 120 meters. Hole 12 will be slightly shortened, bringing the course’s total length to 6,807 meters. New championship tees will be built and existing ones adjusted. The goal is to make the course more challenging for long hitters, who found several par-4s reachable during the 2022 Open.
Strategic elements are also being reintroduced. Some bunkers will be relocated, new ones added, and historic ones restored. On hole 2, two fairway bunkers will be moved forward and to the left. On holes 6 and 10, new bunkers will be placed at modern driving distances. A highlight: hole 16 will see the return of a historic fairway section, now guarded by two new left-side bunkers. This change aims to challenge players who previously opted for the rough to avoid the right fairway. Even the famous 17th, the Road Hole, will see its notorious bunker restored to maintain its legendary difficulty.
Preparing the Old Course for the Future
Alongside the structural updates, a modern irrigation system will be installed to ensure consistent course conditions for both major tournaments and daily play. This upgrade will simplify maintenance and preserve the course’s high standards.
St. Andrews: Evolving with the Game
Change has always been part of St. Andrews. From new bunkers and extended fairways to shifted tees, evolution is tradition here. The course has been shaped over centuries, with golf played on its grounds since at least 1552. Over 100 years ago, dozens of bunkers were added, and in the 2000s, the course length increased by more than 274 meters. As 2027 approaches, St. Andrews continues to honor its legacy while adapting to the future of the game.