Carnoustie has been chosen to host the Open Championship from 19th to 22nd July 2007.
The Open returned to Carnoustie in 1999 after a break of 24 years. The success of the infrastructure, access arrangements and accommodation put in place to handle the needs of a modern Championship has resulted in the R&A awarding the venue the Open for a seventh time according to David Hill, Championship Secretary of the R&A.
Carnoustie, playing to 7,361 yards, has traditionally been regarded as the most difficult of Open venues, a fact that was underlined in 1999 when Paul Lawrie won in testing conditions with a 6 over par score of 290.
In announcing the 2007 venue, Peter Dawson, Secretary of the R&A said, “Carnoustie has always been acknowledged as an outstanding test of links golf with one of the most exacting finishes of any Championship course.
“We are therefore delighted to be returning only eight years after the previous Open when Carnoustie was rightly reinstated to the rota of Open venues.”
Angus Council leader Rob Murray said he was delighted that the Open was returning to Carnoustie in 2007. “The 1999 championship surpassed the expectations of all involved and secured Carnoustie’s reputation as one of the best links courses in the world. We are delighted to see the Championship’s return to the county and I thank the R&A for their confidence in the venue.
“The creation of a new dual carriageway between Dundee and Arbroath will improve the journey and reduce traffic congestion – which is good news for visiting spectators and the home crowd alike. We look forward to working with the R&A in the lead up to 2007 and give them our fullest support for what is certain to be another successful and exciting championship.”
The return of the Open to Carnoustie will ensure positive worldwide television coverage for the area and Scotland as a whole. It will also give a multimillion-pound boost to the local economy.
There is reference to golf being played at Carnoustie as early as 1527. The first known course at Carnoustie was laid out in the first half of the 19th century and consisted of only 10 holes. Old Tom Morris expanded the course to 18 holes in 1873 and in 1926 James Braid made far-reaching alterations that were the basis for today’s layout.
Carnoustie first hosted the Open in 1931 and the list of Champions is:
- 1931 -Tommy Armour 73, 75, 77, 71 296
- 1937 -Henry Cotton 74, 73, 72, 71 290
- 1953 -Ben Hogan 73, 71, 70, 68 282
- 1968 -Gary Player 74, 71, 71, 73 289
- 1975 -Tom Watson 71, 67, 69, 72 279
- 1999 -Paul Lawrie 73, 74, 76, 67 290
The Open www.opengolf.com
Carnoustie www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk