St Andrews Old Course Getting Makeover

Earlier this year, the talk about the golfball rollback sparked debate about the Old Course at St Andrews.  The debate is whether or not the course was fit for modern play in professional tournaments.  The R&A sees some issues with the historic course and has decided that it was necessary to prepare the Old Course for the upcoming Open in 2027 by giving the course some needed adjustments.

St Andrews And Modern Equipment

St Andrews is the oldest golf course in the history of the sport.  It got its start when the original ban on the sport was lifted back in the 1500s.  Back in the days of wooden clubs and leather feather balls.  The concerns came in as modern clubs and balls started appearing.  Modern equipment is designed to get the most out of every swing with pinpoint accuracy, resulting in a lot of courses finding out that they can’t accommodate swings that would have been record-breaking when they were established.

The Announcement

With The Open taking place in 2027, it was decided that it was best to revamp and restore the course now, rather than later.  The executive of the R&A announced the restoration, as well as who will be working on the Old Course.

“Working with St. Andrews Links Trust, we have commissioned Mackenzie & Ebert to carry out a carefully planned program of work to enhance and restore the challenge of the Old Course in a few key areas,” said Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A. “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.”

This will not be the first time the Old Course has undergone a makeover.  The latest one being in 2015, ten years before the golf ball rollback was implemented.  The work that will be done will, of course, be considerate of the history of the Old Course.  The announcement itself is filled with a deep respect for St Andrews.

What Can Be Expected?

This project will involve expansions, additions, and some rearrangement.  Six holes will be lengthened, putting space between the tee box and green.  Only one hole will be slightly shortened.  There will be new tee boxes constructed, as well as others being moved, as part of a way to better facilitate spectator movement.  Fairway bunkers are being relocated to be more of a challenge to the pros of today, so that they don’t just fly over them.  The restorations will be carried out throughout the Old Course, with a focus on the more iconic and historical features, such as Boase’s Bunker and Road Hole Bunker.

St Andrews In 2027

The work on the historic course is set to begin as soon as November 3rd, just next Monday.  The move will do great things to keep the Old Course relevant in the modern age.  Especially for a major tournament like The Open.  It would be disrespectful to let the Old Course fade away from golf’s history.