The Scope and Rationale for Change
Perhaps the most significant and philosophically interesting change concerns the par-4 16th hole, where a historic playing route will be restored to the left of the Principal's Nose and Deacon Sime bunkers. This restoration represents a departure from changes made before the 2000 Open Championship, when the fairway left of the Principal's Nose was converted to rough. Over time, this modification proved unsatisfactory as players intentionally aimed into the rough rather than risk the more penal hazards or out-of-bounds.
To restore the hole's strategic integrity, the area left of the Principal's Nose will be returned to fairway, accompanied by the addition of two new bunkers to challenge players who choose the safer left-hand route. Moir emphasized the restoration's strategic value: "We felt that in recent times players have targeted hitting the ball into the rough there, to avoid the strategic challenge that the hole traditionally provided. So it might sound counterintuitive to some, but widening the fairway with the placement of two new bunkers in there actually enhances the strategic challenge."
Question: How do you anticipate these enhancements will impact visitor demand and tour packages for St Andrews?
Answer: Derek Anderson notes, "Golfers will be keen to play St Andrews Old Course due to the changes and how it will be set up for The Open in 2027." This suggests a positive impact on visitor interest and tour package demand, driven by the championship-driven course evolution.
This approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of strategic golf architecture. The 16th hole has long been regarded as one of golf's premier alternate-route holes, forcing players to weigh risk against reward. By restoring the traditional playing corridor and introducing modern hazards, the architects are recreating the decision-making complexity that made the hole legendary in earlier Open Championships from 1970, 1978, and 1995.
Bunker Modifications and Course Refinement
Beyond the headline yardage increases, the enhancement programme includes substantial bunker work across multiple holes. On the 2nd hole, two right-side drive-length bunkers will be relocated farther down the fairway and slightly to the left to make them more relevant to the modern line of play. This adjustment reflects how changes in equipment technology have altered optimal playing strategies, rendering historically significant hazards obsolete in their current positions.
New bunkers will be strategically placed at "elite level drive length" on both the 6th and 10th holes. These additions aim to introduce risk and decision-making for the longest hitters in professional golf, who have increasingly been able to bypass traditional hazards. On the 9th hole, the right-side approach bunkers will be extended slightly toward the line of play, including the restoration of Boase's Bunker to its larger and less rounded historical shape.
Question: What are the key messaging opportunities for tour operators in positioning the enhanced Old Course?
Answer: Derek Anderson highlights "vast improvements to the irrigation system," a key selling point to emphasize course quality and playing conditions in marketing efforts.
Question: Will there be implications for pricing, accessibility, or package structures?
Answer: Derek Anderson clarifies, "Guaranteed Old Course Packages are of course increasing year on year with inflation, nothing to do with course improvements or changes." Thus, pricing trends are driven by market dynamics rather than enhancements.
The 16th Hole: A Historic Restoration
The famous Road Hole Bunker on the 17th will undergo sympathetic restoration to reduce the effect of sand splash build-up over time. Importantly, organizers clarified that "the size and shape of the bunker will stay the same," with work focused on lowering the ridge around it that has developed through years of maintenance. Sandy Reid, Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews Links Trust, explained: "With all bunkers you get an element of sand splash over time and it is routine for greenkeepers to lower the ground around bunkers. We don't plan adjustments to the face height or anything. It's just the contours around it."
Question: From a tour operator's perspective, what are the most significant positive impacts these changes will deliver to visiting golfers?
Answer: Derek Anderson remarks, "Continued quality of St Andrews Old Course and the experience we and St Andrews Links Trust offer," underscoring consistent high standards for player experience.
Question: Are there any concerns from the visitor experience standpoint that should be addressed?
Answer: Derek Anderson candidly states, "None at all perhaps except the extreme demand for caddies who are self-employed," suggesting operational considerations remain for accommodating demand.
Impact on Recreational Golfers
While the modifications focus primarily on elite-level play, St Andrews Links Trust has emphasized minimal impact on recreational golfers who constitute the majority of play.
Question: How will the enhanced course differentiate the St Andrews experience for international golfers?
Answer: Derek Anderson advises, "Whether it be local, domestic or International visitors it will be the same first class experience for all golfers," emphasizing uniform excellence regardless of visitor origin.
The Economic Dimension
The Old Course's role extends far beyond architecture and championships; it represents a cornerstone of Scotland's tourism economy. Golf tourism at St Andrews generates around 317 million annually in total economic impact, supporting about 4,300 full-time jobs. For every 3.43 circulates into surrounding businesses.
The Golf Tourism Perspective
The 2027 Open Championship is expected to create record demand for travel packages and accommodation.
Question: What is your view on the broader golf tourism outlook for Scotland surrounding The 155th Open in 2027?
Answer: Derek Anderson predicts, "Demand is going to be huge as The Open returns to the Home of Golf. Booking early is essential to avoid disappointment whether thats for Open packages, accommodation, golf rounds, or transportation."
Question: What advice would you offer to the golf industry regarding maintaining Scotland's position as the world's leading golf destination?
Answer: Derek Anderson cautions, "Ideally to try and hold pricing and Scotland is fast becoming quite expensive even though we are offering a first class experience," highlighting the balance between cost and quality to retain competitiveness.
Summary
The Old Course enhancement project unites heritage and progress, ensuring that the worlds most iconic golf course remains relevant in the modern era. As Derek Anderson summarized, These changes not only preserve the Old Courses legacy but reaffirm its status as a 'must-play' destination for every golfer. Its about celebrating history while shaping the future of the game.