St. Andrews’ Old Course Gets Longer — Again: How Golf’s Most Iconic Links Is Evolving for the 2027 Open

There are a few certainties in golf: the wind will blow at St. Andrews, someone will four-putt on 13, and championship courses will always get longer. Even the Old Course — golf’s most sacred ground — isn’t immune.

Ahead of the 2027 Open Championship, the R&A has confirmed plans to stretch the Old Course by 132 yards, marking its most significant lengthening in two decades. The updates, designed by Mackenzie & Ebert, will impact several holes, introduce new bunkers, and subtly reshape strategy on this 600-year-old landscape.

The Key Changes

New tees for four holes

Fresh tee boxes are coming to holes 5, 6, 7, and 10, adding distance and bite to the outward stretch of the course. The par-5 fifth grows the most — up 35 yards — after ranking among the easiest holes at the 2022 Open. The 6th and 7th will be lengthened by 17 and 22 yards respectively, while the 10th adds 29 yards to its championship tee. The total championship yardage climbs to 7,445 yards.

Strategic bunker updates

Two holes — the 6th and 10th — will feature new bunkers placed closer to elite driving zones. The 16th hole will also see a redesign, with two new bunkers added up the left side and rough converted to fairway, restoring the original strategic intent and discouraging players from bailing out left.

Other subtle tweaks

- Bunkers on the 2nd fairway will be shifted closer to the green.
- The 12th tee will be realigned for smoother player flow.
- Teeing grounds on 11 and 16 will be extended.
- The Road Hole bunker on 17 will receive a careful restoration to preserve its signature look.

Why It’s Happening

The 2022 Open exposed a challenge: without wind, too many holes were reachable in one or two shots, creating slow play and birdie fests. The R&A’s adjustments aim to restore balance and preserve the Old Course’s strategic integrity against today’s power game.

“We’re being very sensitive to the history of the course,” said R&A Chief Governance Officer Grant Moir, “but it’s appropriate to adapt to the way the modern game is played.”

For everyday golfers, the changes will be barely noticeable — the daily tees will still play around 6,721 yards. But when the world’s best return to St. Andrews in 2027, they’ll face a course that’s evolved once again — as it always has.