The Old Course Changes... What Will This Mean for your St Andrews Golf Trip

Why the new changes to the Old Course Matter — And Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your St Andrews Golf Trip!

Few places in the world evoke the spirit of golf like the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s the most iconic layout on the planet, a living museum of the game’s evolution. Because of its heritage, the custodians of the Old Course have always been exceptionally cautious about course changes. 

Upon the announcement of the 2027 Open Championship, updates to select tee boxes has has been deemed necessary to keep up with the modern times. These enhancements aren’t about modernising for the sake of modernising; they’re about protecting the integrity of the course and ensuring that strategic elements — including some of its legendary bunkers — remain relevant for today’s top players.

Respecting History While Responding to Modern Golf

St Andrews Links has always approached course changes with deep respect. Every blade of grass on the Old Course carries weight. But as professional golfers continue to hit the ball longer, some of the original strategic defences are being neutralised — particularly the famously placed fairway bunkers that once dictated lines off the tee.

Why Adjust the Tee Boxes?

The small but smart adjustments to various teeing grounds are designed to:

• Bring classic bunkers back into play for the world’s best players
• Restore risk-reward decisions that defined the Old Course for centuries
• Maintain the balance between playability and challenge
• Protect tournament integrity, especially for future Open Championships

For everyday golfers, these changes won’t alter the charm or fairness of the course. But for pros, they’ll reintroduce the thoughtful shot-making that the Old Course is celebrated for — ensuring its strategic brilliance endures for generations.

This is evolution without disruption… exactly how St Andrews has always handled progress.

Why You Should Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland Now

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already a golf enthusiast. And if you’ve ever dreamed of walking the Swilcan Bridge, feeling the coastal wind at your back, or hearing your spikes click along the ancient paths of the Old Course, there has never been a better time to arrange your Golf Trip to Scotland.

Experience the Home of Golf

St Andrews is more than just a golf destination — it’s a heartbeat. The buzz of the town is unlike anything else in sport. From local pubs humming with post-round stories to early morning strolls along West Sands, it’s a place where golf and culture blend seamlessly.

World-Class Courses Beyond the Old Course

A Golf Trip to Scotland isn’t complete without exploring the world-renowned courses surrounding St Andrews, including:

• Kingsbarns Golf Links – A breathtaking modern links with ocean views on nearly every hole
• Carnoustie – Host of multiple Opens, famously demanding and unforgettable
• Dumbarnie Links – A new favourite delivering big vistas and pure links excitement
• The Castle Course, the Jubilee, the New Course, and many more

With such variety, you could spend a week in St Andrews alone and still feel like there’s more to discover.

Make St Andrews the Heart of Your Next Golf Adventure

A Golf Trip to Scotland is more than just a holiday — it’s a rite of passage. It’s where legends have played, where traditions have been shaped, and where you can experience golf exactly as it was intended. Whether you’re chasing the history of the Old Course or the thrill of Scotland’s coastline links, this is a trip that stays with you forever.

At Tweddell Golf Travel, we specialise in handcrafted itineraries that ensure you get the tee times, experiences, and insights that turn a bucket-list trip into a lifelong memory. And with the recent updates bringing classic strategy back to St Andrews, now is an incredible time to stand on those hallowed fairways.

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