ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- The British Open will return to Carnoustie in 2007. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews made the announcement Thursday giving the Angus course the British Open for the seventh time.
‘Carnoustie has always been acknowledged as an outstanding test of links golf with one of the most exacting finishes of any Championship course,’ said Peter Dawson, the Secretary of the R&A.
Carnoustie last hosted the British Open in 1999. That was the year that Jean van de Velde collapsed on the 72nd hole and squandered a three-shot lead. He and Justin Leonard eventually lost in a playoff to Paul Lawrie as the threesome finished regulation at 6-over-par 290 amid difficult wind conditions.
‘The 1999 championship surpassed the expectations of all involved and secured Carnoustie’s reputation as one of the best links courses in the world,’ said Angus Council leader Rob Murray.
Tommy Armour won the first British Open staged at Carnoustie in 1931. Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson joined Lawrie as past winners at this venue.
The 2004 British Open will be held at Royal Troon, followed by a return trip to the Old Course at St. Andrews in 2005. Royal Liverpool Golf Club gets the nod in 2006.
British Open Returning to Carnoustie in 2007
Published January 22, 2004 05:00 PM