R&A lengthens Road Hole for 2010 Open Championship

text size

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) -- The Royal and Ancient is lengthening the famous 17th hole of the Old Course at St. Andrews for next year's British Open.

The tournament organizers are changing the Road Hole from 465 yards to 490 yards in time for the competition's 150th anniversary.

The R&A says the change means that "an increased premium will be placed on an accurate drive of sufficient length ... encouraging players to take the driver from the tee."

The move is the only significant change planned for the Old Course for the 2010 championship.