Dating from passage of the 1974 parliamentary act establishing the St Andrews Links Trust. This timeline's focus is not the changes themselves but governance and process: announcements, decisions, etc.
Please make corrections and additions as you find them in your research. Thus far the research team has worked back to 2002—contemporary news accounts of actors and processes involving changes to the Eden course would be appreciated.
** In October 2002 Golf World quoted Peter Dawson in a report that the Links Trust and R&A were considering adding new tees. Dawson declined to specify the holes or the location for the tees “because the changes still need final approval by the R&A and the St Andrews Links Trust” and because some changes would alter holes on other courses.
“A couple of them are slightly controversial in that they involve encroaching onto adjacent courses, so I don’t want to name them all,” Dawson said.
Dawson declined to move bunkers or build new ones because bunkers remained hazards for average players, he said.
** On December 4, 2002, the Guardian reported the Road Hole bunker had been “drastically and dramatically” changed. The Links Trust had changed the size, shape, and location of the Road bunker to make playing out easier. There was no public announcement prior to the change.
“We did not ask for these changes and it is evident that they have altered the nature of the hole,” Peter Dawson said. “I'm not sure that anyone likes it very much; the changes have been noted and we will be in discussion about them. We will be walking the course next week to look at many things and I'm sure this work will be reviewed.”
** December 6, 2002: The Guardian reported the Road Hole bunker would be restored to it previous location and characteristics. The Links Trust’s spokesman said a decision on bunker depth would not be made until January but when that decision was made, it was likely to be “rubber-stamped when approved by the Royal and Ancient.”
Peter Dawson was reported in the article to be pleased with the reversion.
** On June 4, 2004, the Links Trust submitted to Fife Council Planning a request to “extend golf practice area, including 14 covered practice bays, additional reception area and replacement floodlights.” The area in question is located within the St Andrews Links, an area listed in Historic Scotland’s Gardens and Designed Landscapes Inventory. On September 10, 2004, after a “standard” consultation period, the Links Trust’s submission is permitted (with conditions).
** On July 10, 2004, the Links Trust issued a press release on upcoming changes to the Road Hole bunker. The key change, extending the bunker to the west, was “requested by the R&A.”
** In June 2009 the Links Trust announced changes to the Jubilee Course. The plans were posted in the Links Clubhouse for a two-week period. Additionally, the head greenskeeper hosted open meetings on four separate days to discuss changes.
** On the afternoon of Friday, October 16, 2009, a press release revealed that in coming months a new tee on 17 would be built specifically for the 2010 Open. A quote from chief executive of the Links Trust named the R&A as the decision maker: “We have spent some time discussing this with The R&A and I know they have carefully considered making this change for The Open Championship,” said Alan McGregor, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust.
** On the afternoon of Friday, November 23, 2012, the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, the Links Trust announced changes to The Old Course would begin that winter on four holes, followed in Winter 2013-14 with a second phase to change five holes. "The [R&A] Championship Committee felt there was an opportunity to stiffen its defences in some places to ensure it remains as challenging as ever to the professionals," Dawson said.
** On the morning of Monday, November 26, 2012, work began.
** On November 28, 2012, Peter Dawson, appearing in Orlando, FL, announced a ban on anchoring—subject to final approval by the USGA and R&A. The final rule, if passed, would take effect in three years.