St. Andrews’ Old Course to undergo renovations ahead of the 155th Open
The Saint Andrews Links Trust recently announced renovations at the Old Course. The renovations include cleaning up bunkers, additional championship tee boxes to add yardage on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 16th and a restoration of the iconic 17th road hole bunker.
Following The 150th Open in 2022, the course was reviewed and the proposed changes have been carefully planned with the agreement of St Andrews Links Trust, which manages the Old Course and The R&A, which is responsible for The Open.
Changes at the Old Course are nothing out of the norm. Over the last century and a half, it has seen the addition of more than 60 new bunkers between 1899 and 1905, nearly 350 yards of length being added across The 129th Open in 2000 and The 134th Open in 2005, and most recently, bunker additions, removals and the regrading of the back left portion of the 11th green to create more options for hole locations in advance of The 144th Open in 2015.
Neil Coulson, chief executive of St. Andrews Links Trust, said, “Every generation has played a part in shaping the Old Course, and this latest program 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,” he said.
The renovation will be completed by architects Mackenzie and Ebert, who were just featured in the Sept./Oct. issue of Golfdom. The U.K.-based design firm has made their name designing and renovation some of the top courses in the world, with their specialty being in link-style courses.
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