Tiger Woods won the 2000 Open with a record 19-under total of 269

The par-72 layout, slightly lengthened since Tiger Woods won with a record 19 under in 2000, plays to 7,115 yards.

"We are restoring rather than changing the course," said Royal & Ancient Golf Club chief executive Peter Dawson.

"Modern equipment and the greater athleticism of golf's leading players have led to many of the Old Course hazards being taken out of play."

Dawson singled out the par-five 14th, where a new tee has brought back into play the famed Beardies bunkers on the left and an out-of-bounds wall to the right.

"The drive at 14 had become hazard-free," added Dawson.

"Because of the history of the Old Course, moving hazards is not the option it would be at many other places.

We're not looking for the course to become a big hitter's paradise Peter Dawson

"You simply can't move a bunker here or there on the Old Course. All that leaves is to move tees."

Dawson said six tees had been similarly changed for the 2000 championship.

"We're not looking for the course to become a big hitter's paradise. We are committed to staging a championship that isn't just for golfers who hit the ball a long way," he said.

"The course has proved many times that it is subtle enough to provide a strong challenge.

"We are not trying to change the character of the course - we just want to re-instate the old decisions players had to make."