Renovation plans have been confirmed for the Old Course to help maintain its challenge for the world’s top golfers ahead of the return of The Open Championship to St. Andrews, Scotland in '15. Renowned golf course architect Martin Hawtree was commissioned by St. Andrews Links Trust, which manages the Old Course and the other six courses at the Home of Golf, and the R&A Championship Committee, which organizes golf’s oldest major championship, to assess potential changes that would enhance the challenge for elite players without unduly affecting club and visiting golfers while remaining true to the special character of the Old Course. Hawtree’s recommendations have now been agreed by the St. Andrews Links Trustees and Links Management Committee and the R&A Championship Committee. The work is planned to take place in two phases over this winter and next. The work will widen the Road Bunker on the 17th hole by half a meter at the right hand side. A new bunker will be created on the right of the third fairway and another on the left of the ninth fairway 20 yards short of the green (St. Andrews Links Trust).
