Exclusive:Big Genesis Scottish Open change set to be rolled out in 2026

The Stadium Hole at the Genesis Scottish Open is set to generate more excitement for fans when the Rolex Series event is held at The Renaissance Club for the eighth year in a row next summer.

Instead of being the sixth hole, it will become the 15th as part of a routing shake up aimed at creating a bit more potential drama for spectators at the DP World Tour and PGA Tour co-sanctioned tournament.

The new first hole will be what has played as the tenth in the past, with the holes on that stretch of the course following the same sequence through to what had been the par-5 16th and will now be the seventh.

The Stadium Hole at the Genesis Scottish Open will now be played as the 15th as opposed to the sixth and will have a new name for the 2026 edition | Andrew Redington/Getty Images

They will then play the same holes used previously for the eighth and ninth before heading to what had been the first to start the inward journey, which will now conclude by playing the former seventh then the usual 17th and 18th.

With what will now be the 14th hole being a driveable par 4 and the 15th being a tricky par 3, it is believed that the change will generate a finish that will add a bit more excitement.

The switch will also make it a bit easier for spectators in terms of movement around the course, with a record 88,735 attending this year’s event, won by American Chris Gotterup.

In another change, the Stadium Hole is being rebranded as The Thistle, which will include seating for 3,000 fans, as well as a Ticket+ area and partner hospitality.

‘We believe it will all add up to even more drama for fans’

Genesis Scottish Open Championship Director, Rory Colville, said: “We’re really excited about the changes we are making for the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open as we believe it will all add up to even more drama for fans on site at The Renaissance Club and watching around the world to enjoy.

“The Stadium, which is now the Thistle, has become the go-to spot for spectators on site in the last couple of years and the tweaks we are making to the set up, as well as what was the 6th becoming the 15th hole, will make it an even better arena to watch some of the world’s best golfers.”