The Mole has learnt that The Royal and Ancient has adopted an Augusta-like approach to the Road Hole for the 2010 British Open... They are going to add an extra 25 yards to the hole to “encourage” players to hit driver.

In a statement the R&A said: “an increased premium will be placed on an accurate drive of sufficient length... encouraging players to take the driver from the tee.” Sounds a bit like the type of “encouraging” armed robbers do. One would have thought that the hole was tough enough as it is, but clearly not. The Mole wonders why they aren’t trying to lengthen the par fives!

This is the only change of any real significance for the 150th Open Championship which will take place next year. Let’s hope it won’t be as heart-breaking as this year’s edition!