The Old Course Makeover is a short golf blog post that looks at the changes being made to the world’s oldest golf course.
So, everyone is now aware that there are changes being made to the St Andrews Old Course.
But does everyone know what these are and why they are being done?
Well, let me take you through these and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the entire makeover.
Key Changes (Details)
Lengthening / Tees Adjustments
Six holes are being lengthened: 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, and 16th. One hole (the 12th) will be slightly shortened by realigning the tee.
Total yardage will increase by 132 yards, bringing the course to 7,445 yards for championship play.
More specifically:
5th hole: +35 yards (new tee)
6th: +17 yards
7th: +22 yards
10th: +29 yards
11th tee enlargement: +21 yards
16th tee enlargement: +10 yards
Bunker Work / Strategic Restoration
On the 16th hole, a historical playing route (left of the “Principal’s Nose” and “Deacon Sime” bunkers) is being restored.
Two new bunkers will be added on the left side of the 16th fairway to reintroduce strategic risk.
On the 2nd hole, two right-side fairway bunkers are being relocated further down and shifted left to align with modern lines of play.
New bunkers are added on the 6th and 10th at “elite-level driving distance” — meaning designed to challenge modern long hitters.
On the 9th hole, right-side approach bunkers will be extended: notably, Boase’s Bunker will be restored to a larger, more angular, and less rounded original shape.
On the 17th (Road Hole), the famous bunker (“Road Hole Bunker”) will be restored to reduce sand “splash” accumulation — i.e., sand spread from the bunker over time.
Tees Realignment for Spectator Flow
The tee on the 12th hole will be realigned to help improve spectator movement during championship play.
The main (everyday) tee on the 14th hole will be repositioned slightly.
Irrigation System Overhaul
A major irrigation upgrade is planned: the old system is being replaced.
The new system will use modern, “hidden” pop-up sprinklers to improve water efficiency and maintain turf in targeted ways.
Better irrigation also allows more flexible pin placements (since water can reach more precise areas).
Advantages
Adapting to Modern Play / Technology
Golf equipment (especially drivers) has evolved; players hit further. These changes help ensure that the Old Course remains a challenge for elite players.
By lengthening holes and repositioning bunkers, the Old Course resists being “overpowered” purely by distance; strategy is re-emphasised.
Restoring Historical Character
The restoration of the 16th hole’s old routing brings back strategic options that had faded over time.
Restoring original bunker shapes (like Boase’s) helps preserve architectural history and the course’s “soul.”
Improved Spectator Flow
Realigning the 12th tee to ease “spectator pinch-points” is smart: better safety, crowd management, and viewing during a major.
Sustainability & Maintenance
New irrigation means more efficient water use, which is both environmentally responsible and good for turf health. More precise watering (via pop-up sprinklers) can reduce overwatering and target stress areas, improving playing conditions.
Long-Term Relevance
These tweaks are not just for the 2027 Open: by balancing challenge for pros and playability for everyday golfers, the course remains “future-proofed.”
The work is being done with respect for heritage, so the Old Course evolves without losing its identity.
Disadvantages / Risks
Purist Concern / Loss of Authentic Feel
Some traditionalists may argue that any change to the Old Course risks diluting its history; even “sensitive” changes can feel like tampering.
There’s a tension: restoring some routes may make the course feel less like its modern self, or alter how iconic holes “play” in memory.
Cost and Disruption
Major renovation (tees, bunkers, irrigation) is expensive. While justified, costs could be significant, and there’s always a risk of overruns.
Construction could disrupt regular play; even if staged carefully, local golfers and visitors may face inconveniences. (Though reports say work begins Nov 2025 and they aim to minimise disruption.
Strategic Risk Overreach
If bunkering is too penal (or poorly placed), it could overly penalise certain lines or strategies, making the course less forgiving for good but not elite players.
Conversely, if changes are too modest, they may fail to meaningfully impact championship play — i.e., don’t solve the “distance problem.”
Irrigation Downside?
New irrigation systems are beneficial, but installation can be invasive (digging, disruption).
Hidden sprinklers might affect the “natural” look of the course if not carefully integrated.
Spectator Realignment Trade-Offs
Realigning tees for spectator flow could slightly alter how holes “play” versus how players and past champions remember them.
There’s a risk that, while spectator experience improves, the competitive lines or angles change in unintended ways.
Risk of Over-Modernisation
Some critics may worry that tailoring the course for championship play undermines its appeal to recreational golfers; too much focus on the elite might make it less “fun” or accessible.
By making the course more “open” or longer, some of the quirky, classical links character might be lost.
Overall Assessment
Balanced Approach
On balance, the changes appear carefully considered. The R&A and St Andrews Links Trust are explicitly framing them as enhancements and restoration, not a radical redesign.
Strategic Preservation
The work seems to strike a balance between maintaining the Old Course’s heritage and making it relevant for the modern game. There’s respect for its history, but also realism about how elite-level golf is evolving.
Sustainable Future
The irrigation upgrade is a major plus, not just for playability but for long-term sustainability.