# Carnoustie Selected to Host The 157th Open Championship in 2029

The historic Scottish links returns to the major rota following an eleven-year hiatus.

- **Source:** [BBC News – Scotland](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/scotland)
- **Published:** 2026-11-09
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/articles/cq4g1glv87pjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e7533c89-03f5-41aa-b5d8-80dbae93f0a7

## Return to Angus Links

The Open Championship will return to Carnoustie in 2029, marking the first time the venue has hosted the major in eleven years. The 157th edition of the tournament is scheduled for 19-22 July. This selection follows a long history, as the course has hosted the event eight times since 1931.

## Historical Venue Significance

Carnoustie is recognized for hosting iconic victories, including Gary Player in 1968 and Tom Watson in 1975. Paul Lawrie secured a win there in 1999, remaining the last Scottish player to lift the Claret Jug at this course. Padraig Harrington also claimed his first major title at this venue in 2007.

## Recent Championship Precedents

The most recent Open at Carnoustie occurred in 2018, when Italian golfer Francesco Molinari triumphed with a two-shot lead. That field included Rory McIlroy, who finished among the group chasing Molinari. The upcoming 2029 event aims to build upon the legacy established by these previous champions and their memorable final rounds.

## Future Championship Schedule

The R&A has confirmed the venue rotation for the coming years, maintaining a clear path for the major. The 2027 Open will be held at the Old Course in St Andrews, while the 2028 tournament is slated for Royal Lytham and St Annes. Carnoustie follows these two prestigious locations in 2029.

## Portmarnock Bid Status

Portmarnock Golf Club’s ambition to host the Open Championship remains on hold for at least another decade following the Carnoustie announcement. While hopes for an Irish venue grew in July, the R&A indicates that feasibility studies for Portmarnock are advanced, involving complex discussions with government stakeholders and local authorities regarding scale.

## Venue Enhancement Strategy

Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, stated that the organization is collaborating closely with Carnoustie to ensure the venue is prepared. These efforts focus on enhancing the course infrastructure to support successful stagings of the event. The goal is to deliver an outstanding experience for players, fans, and commercial partners.

## Operational Feasibility Requirements

Hosting an Open Championship is a complex logistical undertaking due to the massive scale of the event. The R&A has conducted extensive feasibility studies to determine if potential venues can accommodate the requirements. While Portmarnock remains a candidate for the future, the immediate focus is on the established 2029 Carnoustie plan.

## Legacy and Future Outlook

The return to Carnoustie offers fans another opportunity to witness a historic chapter in golf. By integrating venue improvements with the course's storied reputation, organizers aim to maintain the high standards expected of the Claret Jug. The focus now shifts toward the 2027, 2028, and 2029 cycle of major championship golf.

## Sources covering this story

- [BBC News – Scotland — The Open Championship Returns to Carnoustie in 2029](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/articles/cq4g1glv87pjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)
- [RTÉ Sport — Carnoustie Selected to Host 2029 Open Championship](https://www.rte.ie/sport/golf/2026/1109/1598542-portmarnock-must-wait-as-carnoustie-set-to-host-2029-open/)

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
