"The greenstaff did a fantastic job," said Gordon Moir, links superintendent. "All the head greenkeepers contributed expertise in the form of men and equipment, and the effort and team work of the squads was excellent."
In all, 94 of the Old Course's 112 bunkers have been rebuilt. "Wind blow and erosion subject all bunkers to some change over time and the crucial task is to make sure they continue to gather the ball," said Mr Moir. "Contouring work has been done in the vicinity of some bunkers to ensure they keep playing in the traditional way."
As one would expect, Road Hole Bunker has been the most high profile element in the rebuilding programme but the sheer scale of Shell Bunker, Cartgate Bunker and the bunker behind the 16th green made them the most challenging.
One new problem golfers will relish in 2005 comes from changes made to the greenside bunker guarding the entrance to the 12th green. The face has been lowered by 8 inches and the area above it turfed over so that, like the other bunkers on the hole, it is hidden from the tee.
"Like the Road Bunker, which has been extended by 3 feet to the west, this was a matter agreed between the Links Trust Green Sub-Committee and the R & A," said Euan Grant, head greenkeeper on the Old Course. "They wanted us to play with the golfer's mind as he stood on the tee: he will know there is plenty of trouble down there on the fairway but he won't be sure exactly where it is."
The bunkers will be out of play until April, when one crucial ingredient will be added: sand.