Course for British Open lengthened by 181 yards

[April 23, 2012]  LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England (AP) -- The course at Royal Lytham and St. Annes has been lengthened by 181 yards for this year's British Open, with all but two holes having been altered since the last time the tournament was held there in 2001.

Royal and Ancient Chief Executive Peter Dawson said Monday that the total length of the course has increased to 7,086 yards, but that it will remain a par 70.

Dawson said the biggest changes were made to the seventh, 10th and 11th holes. The 10th is 52 yards longer compared to 11 years ago, while No. 7 is 35 yards longer and has a completely new green. The 11th now measures 592 yards -- 56 yards longer than last time.

The only holes that have not been changed are the par-4 fourth and par-3 12th.

The British Open starts July 19.

[Associated Press]

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