Carnoustie to stage 157th Open in 2029 as news is hailed as 'tremendous for Scotland'

Carnoustie will stage The Open for the ninth time and first since 2018 after the Angus venue was announced to host the 157th edition in 2029.

Pictured at the announcement ablout The Open in 2029 being staged at Carnoustie are, from left, Angus Council Leader George Meechan, Carnoustie Golf Links chief operating officer Ross Blackadder, First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP, The R&A chief exective Mark Darbon, VisitScotland chief executive Vicki Miller The R&A’s chief championships officer Johnnie Cole-Hamilton | The R&A

Francesco Molinari created history by becoming the first Italian to win a major when he picked up the Claret Jug seven years ago after holding off Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in a thirlling fnal round.

In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Tommy Armour, Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie and Pádraig Harrington by becoming an Open champion at Carnoustie.

Carnoustie, regarded as one of the best courses in the world, will be staging the game’s oldest major for the ninth time | Contributed

The 2029 staging will come on the back of next year’s 155th edition at St Andrews then a return to Royal Lytham in 2028 for the first time since 2012.

Announcing the Carnoustie event, Mark Darbon, The R&A’s chief executive, said: “Carnoustie is a world-class championship venue where some of golf’s greatest players have lifted the Claret Jug and the return of The Open to these famous links after more than a decade will give fans the opportunity to be part of another memorable chapter in the championship’s history.

“We want to continue to deliver an outstanding experience for players, fans and our partners at one of the world’s great sporting events and so have worked closely in collaboration with Carnoustie to help ensure their plans to enhance the venue and also support successful stagings of The Open in the years ahead.”

Since the last Open at the venue, Carnoustie Golf Links has come under the management of Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Ltd, a private investment group.

Darbon added: “We are grateful to Carnoustie’s ownership and management, the Scottish Government and local authorities for their support in bringing The Open back to Angus and look forward to another memorable Championship in 2029.”

Paying a visit to the Angus venue on Monday, the announcement was welcomed by First Minister John Swinney, who described it as “tremendous news for Scotland”. He added: “As the home of golf, we have a unique connection to this historic championship and are proud to welcome it back to one of the sport's most renowned venues.

"The Open generates significant benefits for our economy, supports jobs and tourism, and shines a global spotlight on Scotland's people, places and outstanding golf offering. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing the Championship back to Carnoustie and look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to Angus in 2029."

Vicki Miller, VisitScotland’s chief executive, is also delighted to see two of the next three Open Championships being held in Scotland. “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events, and its return to Carnoustie in 2029 further strengthens Scotland’s outstanding programme of major events taking place in the coming years,” she said.

“Through our long-standing partnership with The R&A and the wider golf industry, we continue to attract and support world-class golf events that deliver lasting benefits for local communities and businesses across Scotland.

“Scotland’s iconic links course have played a central role in the Championship’s rich history and Carnoustie will provide the perfect stage for The Open. Its return reinforces our position as the home of golf and strengthens our reputation as a world-leading golf destination, while providing a platform to showcase our country to millions of potential visitors.”

Italy's Francesco Molinari won the most recent edition of The Open at Carnoustie in 2018 | AFP via Getty Images

As has been the case for the past decade or so, Carnoustie was in fabulous condition as some of the world’s top players competed there in the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

“I speak on behalf of everyone associated with Carnoustie Golf Links when I say we are beyond proud that this famous venue has been selected to host The 157th Open,” said Ross Blackadder, chief operating officer at Carnoustie Golf Links. “This is one of the greatest honours in golf and reflects the standing of Carnoustie as a world-class championship venue.

“The Open has been part of Carnoustie’s story for almost a century, and the opportunity to welcome the world’s best players back to Angus is hugely exciting. We are already focused on delivering an outstanding championship experience for competitors, spectators and the wider golfing community.

“Carnoustie is already associated with some of The Open’s most iconic moments and we can’t wait to enhance this legacy further when the world’s best take on ‘Golf’s Greatest Test’ again in 2029. Our investment in the course, facilities and wider visitor experience reflects our ambition to continue securing the championship on a regular basis, ensuring its legacy benefits Carnoustie and the wider region for generations to come.”

It was also announced last week that the ISPS HANDA Senior Open will be held at Muirfield in 2028.

Fans can register their interest in attending The 157th Open at Carnoustie on the week of 15-22 July 2029 by visiting TheOpen.com