Two time winner of The Open Championship Padraig Harrington has professed himself in favour of the changes to the 17th hole at St Andrews for this week’s 150th championship.
The tee has been moved back 40 yards so it is now outside the boundary of the Old Course.
Harrington believes the additional length has restored the fearsome nature the famous Road Hole had 20 to 30 years ago and would provide a tough challenge for competitors.
“It’s an intimidating tee shot and a tight fairway but the way I look at it you always want to make sure that the guy who wins The Open is tested at some stage coming down the stretch,” said the Irishman, who won back to back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008.
“It’s no problem with length and it’s the same angle, it’s just playing as a big hole - as it should be at the end of championship golf.
“There is no-one going to get through 16 holes without thinking about it for four days.
“It’s what you were used to seeing on the TV years ago and exactly what they need.
“Everything evolves - you do realise they used to play this course from the greens to the tees, the reverse way round?” he added.
“I know 17 is very high profile but this is the modern game. I’m sure the old tee was probably not there 30 years ago.
“It has to change at some stage, that is part of golf. All courses, and this one in particular, has evolved over the course of time.”
Anybody wanting to see Britain's last winner of The Open Championship hit his opening shot this Thursday needs to be up with the dawn chorus.
Scot Paul Lawrie, the man who captured the Claret Jug at Carnoustie Golf Links in 1999, will be hitting the opening shot of the championship - at 6.30am.
But, instead of complaining about the fact that he will now have to set his alarm for 4.45am, breakfast at five and start practising by 5.30, the 41 year old from Aberdeen was positively thrilled to be told the news.
"It's a great time," he said. "It's where you want to be - first off. Perfect.
"I've no problem with that whatsoever. It should be calm and the greens will be at their best. I can't think of a better time to play any tournament.
"And I'm always up early. It will be fine."
Lawrie first of all has the four-hole Champions Challenge - part of the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the first Open Championship - late on Wednesday.
But when asked about his quick turnaround he just smiled and replied: "Plenty of time for an athlete."
