The Open Championship will return to Carnoustie in 2029 for the first time in 11 years, the R&A has announced.

The 157th staging of the event will be at the Angus links from July 19-22, following St Andrews and Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

It means that Carnoustie, where Francesco Molinari lifted the Claret Jug in 2018, will have hosted The Open nine times since its debut in 1931.

Molinari followed a list of Carnoustie winners that also includes Tommy Armour, Sir Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington.

With the R&A’s flagship event growing in stature and attracting ever-increasing crowds, Carnoustie is adapting its infrastructure to meet the challenge.

With no other venue confirmed beyond 2029, there is still no return to the Open rota for Donald Trump-owned Turnberry, where there are security concerns, or Muirfield.

The latter appeared to edge a step closer last week when it was announced as the 2028 Senior Open venue, but a few logistical issues remain to be overcome.

In the meantime, Scotland can look forward to welcoming the world’s best players to Carnoustie, a town and venue that has a special place in golf’s history.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: ‘Carnoustie is a world-class championship venue where some of golf’s greatest players have lifted the Claret Jug.

‘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 also support successful stagings of The Open in the years ahead.

‘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.’

Carnoustie has also hosted three editions of The Senior Open, most recently for KJ Choi’s 2024 success, while Anna Nordqvist won the AIG Women’s Open there in 2021.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, said: ‘The return of The Open to Carnoustie Golf Links in 2029 is tremendous news for Scotland. 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.’