The Old Course at St. Andrews is set to undergo major changes for the first time in 70 years.
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and St. Andrews Links Trust reportedly agreed on a two-year project that will alter nine holes on the course that was established back in 1552, something that prompted heavy criticism from professional golfers.
Several professional golfers have already displayed their anger about the changes, including Ian Pouter who was especially infuriated with the decision to overhaul one of the world’s classic courses.
if they make changes to the Old Course St Andrews they are insane. The course is great just leave the winning score up to mother nature — Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 27, 2012
if they make changes to the Old Course St Andrews they are insane. The course is great just leave the winning score up to mother nature
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 27, 2012
They are going to change the 2,3,4.6,7, 9,11,15. oh joy lets play the 11th the par 3 from 240 yards just for fun please. dont mess it up. — Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 27, 2012
They are going to change the 2,3,4.6,7, 9,11,15. oh joy lets play the 11th the par 3 from 240 yards just for fun please. dont mess it up.
i know lets draw a Moustache on the Mona Lisa i’m sure everyone would like that. Same as messing with a great course. St Andrews — Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) November 27, 2012
i know lets draw a Moustache on the Mona Lisa i’m sure everyone would like that. Same as messing with a great course. St Andrews
Poulter wasn’t the only golfer to take to Twitter as several players are clearly displeased with the proposed changes.
Don’t touch sacred ground, so many other old classic courses has already been ruined! Not this one too!!!!! — Robert Karlsson (@robertkarlsson) November 28, 2012
Don’t touch sacred ground, so many other old classic courses has already been ruined! Not this one too!!!!!
— Robert Karlsson (@robertkarlsson) November 28, 2012
Tiger Woods, who set the scoring record at St. Andrews in 2000, hopes they don’t alter the 17th hole on the Old Course
“I think 17 is hard enough as it is,” Woods told the Associated Press. “I don’t think we need to make that bunker any deeper or bigger.”
Overhauling the Old Course is like putting the nose back on the Sphinx and arms on Venus de Milo. Quirks, shortcomings part of aura, allure. — Steve Elling (@EllingYelling) November 27, 2012
Overhauling the Old Course is like putting the nose back on the Sphinx and arms on Venus de Milo. Quirks, shortcomings part of aura, allure.
— Steve Elling (@EllingYelling) November 27, 2012
The R&A is about to spend $millions adding tees and length to St Andrews because of today’s Drivers/Balls. #Irony — Paul Azinger (@PaulAzinger) November 28, 2012
The R&A is about to spend $millions adding tees and length to St Andrews because of today’s Drivers/Balls. #Irony
— Paul Azinger (@PaulAzinger) November 28, 2012
The changes are expected to be finished when the British Open returns to St. Andrews in 2015.
