Mark Darbon announces the Old Course at St. Andrews is set to undergo restoration work ahead of The Open 2027

In 2027, St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, will be hosting The Open Championship for the 31st time in the history of the sport. Before the 155th edition of this major championship starts, the R&A and the St. Andrews Links Trust have planned some things for the golf venue.

As declared, the Old Course at St. Andrews will undergo massive levels of renovation that include planned restoration. According to the governing bodies, the changes, despite appearing subtle, will pose a challenge to the competitors of the 155th edition of The Open Championship.

While talking on this, Mark Darbon, the Chief Executive of the R&A, recently shared his views with the reporters. Apart from declaring the news about the renovations, Darbon revealed that Mackenzie & Ebert will carry out the restoration works for the 2027 Open Championship venue. He said (as quoted by The Open):

"Working with St Andrews Links Trust, we have commissioned Mackenzie & Ebert to carry out a carefully planned programme of work to enhance and restore the challenge of the Old Course in a few key areas. Our approach is grounded in deep respect for the course’s unparalleled history."

According to Darbon's words, the restoration of the Old Course will not only pose a challenge to the competitors at The Open, but will do the same in the future. He said:

"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."

Before the Open Championship starts in 2027, the irrigation system at The Old Course in St. Andrews will be upgraded. Apart from these, Mackenzie & Ebert will carry out some alterations on the sixteenth hole. Hole 16 will be lengthened. The historic path on the left of Deacon Sime bunkers and The Principal's Nose will be renovated. Governing bodies will also add two more bunkers to challenge the golfers who will play through the extended fairway.

Before The Open Championship 2027, five other holes, the fifth, sixth, seventh, tenth and eleventh will be extended a bit. According to plans, the total yardage of the St. Andrews (Old Course) will be increased to 7445 yards. Here's how some yardages will be added following the addition of new tees on these respective holes:

• Hole 5: 35 yards
• Hole 6: 17 yards
• Hole 7: 22 yards
• Hole 10: 29 yards

Other upgrades include realignment of the championship tee on holes 12 and 14, restoration of the Road Hole Bunker (hole 17), bunker relocation and extensions, and tee enlargements.

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A list of golfers who won The Open Championship at St. Andrews

Here are some names who won the Open held at St. Andrews Course:

1. Tom Kidd (1873)
2. Bob Martin (1876)
3. Jamie Anderson (1879)
4. Bob Ferguson (1882)
5. Bob Martin (1885)
6. Jack Burns (1888)
7. Hugh Kirklady (1891)
8. John Henry Taylor (1895)
9. John Henry Taylor (1900)
10. James Braid (1905)
11. James Braid (1910)
12. Jock Hutchison (1921)
13. Bobby Jones (1927)
14. Denny Shute (1933)
15. Dick Burton (1939)
16. Sam Snead (1946)
17. Peter Thomson (1955)
18. Bobby Locke (1957)
19. Kel Nagle (1960)
20. Tony Lema (1964)
21. Jack Nicklaus (1970)
22. Jack Nicklaus (1978)
23. Seve Ballesteros (1984)
24. Nick Faldo (1990)
25. John Daly (1995)
26. Tiger Woods (2000)
27. Tiger Woods (2005)
28. Louis Oosthuizen (2010)
29. Zach Johnson (2015)
30. Cameron Smith (2022)

Edited by Pravashis Biswas