St Andrews’ Old Course to be lengthened ahead of 2027 British Open

LONDON – When the British Open returns to golf’s ancestral home in 2027, the Old Course at St Andrews will not look the same.

The course’s management firm, the St Andrews Links Trust, and the R&A, in charge of the Open, announced a number of pending changes on Oct 28.

Holes 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 16 will be lengthened, bumping the overall tournament length from 7,313 yards to 7,445 yards. Much of the changes will come from moving the tee boxes.

Playing area will be added at No. 16 to the left of the Principal’s Nose and Deacon Sime bunkers, and two more bunkers will be added on that side. Bunkers will be moved on No. 2 and additional bunkers are coming to Nos. 6 and 10.

“Every generation has played a part in shaping the Old Course and this latest programme continues that long tradition,” St Andrews Links Trust chief executive Neil Coulson said in the media release.

“The work will restore features that have changed subtly over time and refine others to preserve the course’s unique character.

“Our guiding principle is simple: To protect what makes the Old Course so special while ensuring it continues to offer a fair, challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of every level. The Old Course has never stood still. Its enduring greatness lies in its ability to adapt while retaining its soul.”

The Old Course was established in 1552 and has played host to the British Open 30 times, dating back to 1873, when Scotland’s Tom Kidd was the victor after a two-round event.

Most recently, Australia’s Cameron Smith earned a one-stroke win over Cameron Young in 2022. Smith’s score of 20-under 268 matched the event’s record in relation to par.

Meanwhile, two new tournaments highlight the 28-event PGA Tour Champions 2026 schedule that features a record-setting purse total. The Portugal Invitational in Algarve (July 27 to Aug 2), and the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, (Sept 28 to Oct 4) are the new additions to the seniors’ schedule.

The total prize money for the season is US$69 million (S$89.4 million), a slight increase from 2025.

“We are thrilled to be adding new events in Portugal and Pennsylvania to an existing schedule highlighted by tremendous title sponsors in many markets which have become staples of Champions Tour golf,” PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady said.

“The incredible play we’ve seen from some of the game’s legends this season is sure to continue in 2026 and we are looking forward to building on that continued momentum for our partners and fans.”

The Champions Tour will visit four countries (Morocco, Scotland, Portugal and Canada) and 18 different American states.

The 25-event regular season will begin with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai during the week of Jan 19 to 24 (Saturday finish) in Ka’upulehu-Kona, Hawaii.

Over on the women’s circuit, United States President Donald Trump’s granddaughter Kai Trump is poised to make her LPGA Tour debut after receiving a sponsor’s invitation on Oct 28 to The Annika which runs from Nov 13 to 16.

The US$3.25 million tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, is the penultimate event of the LPGA season, which will conclude with the Tour Championship from Nov 20 to 23 in Naples, Florida.

“My dream has been to compete with the best in the world on the LPGA Tour,” Kai Trump said in a statement posted on the LPGA’s website. “This event will be an incredible experience.

“I look forward (to) meeting and competing against so many of my heroes and mentors in golf as I make my LPGA Tour debut.”

The 18-year-old high school senior, the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr, is ranked 461st in the American Junior Golf Association rankings and has committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Miami.

She also has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers across multiple platforms.

“Kai’s broad following and reach are helping introduce golf to new audiences, especially among younger fans. We’re excited to see her take this next step in her journey,” said Ricki Lasky, LPGA chief tour business and operations officer. REUTERS, AFP