Designers to discuss new tee at Road Hole

THE controversial decision to extend the Road Hole at St Andrews ahead of this year's Open Championship is likely to come under discussion when some of the world's leading course designers converge on Scotland next week.

The World Forum of Golf Architects, a five-day event being held in St Andrews, will involve course architects from Europe, America and Australia.

The conference will address the main themes affecting golf course architecture, including design trends, and, while not on the agenda, the R&A's decision to put in a new tee to lengthen the most famous hole in golf seems certain to be debated.

"I would have thought it is highly likely that the new back tee on the Road Hole will be discussed as part of the technology section," said Julia Green, executive officer of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects.

Lessons from the world recession is another topic set to be discussed by delegates, while the conference will also mark the launch of a new website providing innovative and challenging guidance to promote a more sustainable model for new golf facility development. It is being supported by the R&A and European Tour.