Swinney ‘delighted’ as golf’s 157th Open to be hosted at Carnoustie in 2029

Scotland’s First Minister has said he is “delighted” after it was announced that the 157th Open will be played at Carnoustie in 2029.

Golf’s original championship will return to Carnoustie’s world-renowned Championship Course for the ninth time and the first since Francesco Molinari’s victory at the course in 2018.

Played since 1860, The Open is the sport’s most international major championship with qualifying events on every continent.

Visiting Carnoustie Golf Course on Monday, First Minister John Swinney said the event will be a “huge economic boost” for Carnoustie.

Italy’s Francesco Molinari with the Claret Jug after winning The Open Championship in 2018 at Carnoustie Golf Links (Jane Barlow/PA)

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Mr Swinney said: “I’m absolutely delighted that The Open in 2029 is going to be hosted at Carnoustie Links.

“This is a huge economic boost for Carnoustie, for Angus, for Scotland to secure this prestigious tournament to take place.

“It’s a tribute to the partnership that is under way between The R&A, the Scottish Government, Visit Scotland, and Carnoustie, working with Angus Council to make sure that an event of this nature can be located here in Carnoustie.

“And it’s a really appropriate decision given that Scotland is the home of golf, and we can offer a very warm welcome to tourists from around the world who want to see this prestigious tournament.”

Carnoustie will host the championship from July 15-22 2029 organised as a partnership between The R&A, the Scottish Government and Visit Scotland.

The investment in the championship aims to drive tourism and encourage significant economic and social benefits to the country and host region.

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 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 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.”

Numerous golfers have lifted the Claret Jug at the Angus links, including Tommy Armour, Sir Henry Cotton, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Paul Lawrie and Pádraig Harrington.

Ross Blackadder, chief operating officer at Carnoustie Golf Links, said: “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.”