Stellenbosch is preparing its course to host the 115th Investec SA Open Championship from February 26-March 1 next year, and one of the most visible changes is the reshaping and enlargement of the water hazard fronting the left side of the green of the 378-metre 18th. The water now stretches further back down the fairway. An extension to the back tee will stretch this hole to 405. Currently the course is 6388 metres from the yellow tees and will be lengthened to 6600 for the Open. It was 6516 for the 1999 SA Open. Championship tees have been reinstated or extended on nine holes, widened in places, and mown closely down to the roots. Three par 4s given a boost are the dogleg right first, which will play 30 metres longer at 442, the uphill fourth, 49 longer at 420, and the dogleg right 10th, from 385 to 430. Stellenbosch has two short par 5s, Nos 8 (444) and 14 (460) which cannot be lengthened. No 8 was played as a 4 at the 1999 Open and will likely do so again. No 14 plays uphill and would be a great 4 with the green only visible from the right side of the fairway. The practice putting green is being enlarged
