Host Golf Courses of The Open

Golf Courses to have hosted The Open

Discover all the previous host Golf Courses of the Open Championship. Book your package to the next Open and walk in the footsteps of the greats by adding these courses to your Golf Tour itinerary.

Find out more about each of these incredible Open venues...

Open Packages

The Old Course, St Andrews

The Old Course at St Andrews is the birthplace of golf. A legendary course with a history spanning six centuries, shaped naturally rather than by an architect. Beginning and ending in the town center, it's renowned for its vast double greens, shared fairways, and 112 challenging bunkers. The 17th hole, often called the toughest par 4 in golf, demands a tee shot over part of a well-known hotel. With the infamous Road Hole bunker and road lurking for wayward shots. A bucket-list destination for any golfer, it has hosted The Open Championship 30 times. Most recently the 150th edition in July 2022, where Cameron Smith triumphed.

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Muirfield

Muirfield Golf Club is renowned as one of the world's oldest golf clubs, with records tracing back to 1744. Golf has been played at Muirfield since 1891 on a course designed by 'Old' Tom Morris. And it was the site of the first-ever 72-hole Open Championship in 1892. While the course has undergone modifications over the years, it remains one of the most challenging venues for The Open. Unlike most traditional Scottish links courses, Muirfield features two loops of 9 holes, rather than the usual out-and-back layout.

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Royal Troon

Royal Troon Golf Club was established in 1878 when 23 members from Prestwick branched off to create this magnificent links course. Today, it stands as one of the premier Open Championship venues, most recently hosting the tournament in 2024. Known for its quirky greens and long holes, the course can either lead to low scores or present formidable challenges. It also boasts the shortest hole among all Open venues: the 126-yard eighth hole. Known as the "Postage Stamp" for its tiny green. At Troon, missing the green almost guarantees a dropped shot, cementing its status as one of the world’s iconic golfing destinations.

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Turnberry

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry, while the youngest of the Open venues. Is one of the most formidable challenges in championship golf. Nestled between the stunning Trump Turnberry Hotel and the sea, the course winds through dramatic dunes. With the iconic Turnberry lighthouse and Ailsa Craig, a towering 1,200-foot island, providing breathtaking backdrops. From the signature 9th hole, players can also glimpse the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s castle. Though it stretches over 7,000 yards for Open Championships, this medal course doesn’t rely on power for par. But rather requires precision and attention to detail, both off the tee and on approach shots.

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Carnoustie

Carnoustie Golf Links is celebrated as one of the premier championship venues, but it's also renowned as one of the toughest courses in the game. Often described as Scotland’s ultimate golfing challenge, few have truly mastered its complexities. Carnoustie is a rigorous test for skilled golfers, not suited for beginners or the faint-hearted. Yet its intricacies captivate anyone who loves the sport. For the dedicated golfer, it’s an essential experience. After all, as Hogan once said, "No player’s journey is complete without playing Carnoustie." Originally designed by Old Tom Morris in 1857 and extended by James Braid in 1926, the course has hosted numerous Open Championships.

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Prestwick

Prestwick Golf Club is rich in golfing history, having hosted the first twelve Open Championships. Founded in 1851, its first Keeper of the Green, Ball, and Club Maker was the legendary 'Old' Tom Morris, who served the club until 1864. Though the course has seen some changes over the years, it still features many blind tee shots that lead to challenging second shots. Every hole is unique, with plenty of character and quirks. Playing Prestwick is an experience every golfer should have at least once in their lifetime.

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Musselburgh

Musselburgh Links played a significant role in the early history of The Open. As it was home to the first-ever Champion, Willie Park Sr. Initially hosting the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the original holes have remained largely unchanged. With evidence indicating that golf has been played at Musselburgh Links since as early as 1672.

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Royal Birkdale

Few seaside links courses in the world can be called truly great. But Royal Birkdale, with its towering sandhills and willow scrub, is certainly one of them. Since its founding in 1889 by George Lowe, the course has undergone several changes. Yet it remains a true championship venue, having hosted both The Open and the Ryder Cup. Some modifications have been made since Arnold Palmer's famous recovery shot in 1961, a moment commemorated by a plaque marking the spot where his divot was taken. Royal Birkdale is set to host The 154th Open Championship in 2026.

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Royal Lytham

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is one of the world’s premier links courses. Having hosted 10 Open Championships, two Ryder Cups, and numerous other tour events. It’s particularly challenging when the wind is up, testing even the most skilled golfers. Uniquely, this championship course begins with a par 3, setting it apart from most others. A must-play for any golfer, Royal Lytham last hosted The Open in 2001. When David Duval claimed victory, and more recently in 2012.

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Royal Liverpool

Established in 1869, Royal Liverpool Golf Club Hoylake is the second oldest seaside golf course in England. The course was extended to 18 holes in 1871 and granted the prestigious ‘Royal’ status. Designed to be a challenging test of golf, it remains so, particularly when the wind is a factor. Royal Liverpool has hosted numerous Open Championships, producing iconic winners like Roberto De Vicenzo and Tiger Woods. The club most recently hosted The Open in 2014 and again in 2023.

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Royal St George's

Royal St George’s Golf Club is nestled in the heart of the British countryside. In the charming and unspoiled town of Sandwich, known as one of the most beautiful places in southern England. It stands out as the purest links course in the region. The Royal & Ancient wisely selected Royal St George’s for major championships, knowing it would challenge even the most skilled players throughout the week. Notably, it was the first course outside of Scotland to host The Open Championship. Located near the sea, the course offers views of Pegwell Bay, and any wind can make this formidable test even more challenging. With only four Open winners ever finishing under par after 72 holes.

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Royal Cinque Ports

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club is a renowned seaside links course famous for its windy conditions and easy walking. Originally built by Henry Hunter in 1892 as a 9-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1896. Since then, the course has undergone changes by notable figures such as James Braid, Henry Cotton, and Donald Steel. The outward nine holes are generally regarded as the easier stretch. While the inward nine is longer and features the challenging 16th hole, often considered the most difficult. On clear days, players can enjoy stunning views across the channel. Royal Cinque Ports hosted The Open Championship in 1909 and again in 1920.

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Princes Golf Club

Located near Royal St George’s Golf Club, Prince’s Golf Club first opened its doors in 1906. Since then, the club has expanded to include 27 holes arranged in three nine-hole loops. The Himalayas, the Dunes, and the Shore. Each of these loops has undergone significant enhancements in the past three years, overseen by the acclaimed golf course architect Martin Ebert. Prince’s has hosted The Open Final Qualifying Series since 2018 and offers on-site accommodation. This classic British seaside golf course is definitely worth a visit during your golf tour of England.

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Royal Portrush

As one of three ‘Royal’ courses in Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Golf Club is rich in history. It is the only course in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, which took place in 1951 when Max Faulkner emerged victorious. Consistently ranked among the top Irish courses, it presents a challenging test of any golfer’s nerves and shot-making skills. The course is renowned not only for its exceptional turf and outstanding holes but also for its stunning surroundings, overlooked by the ruins of Dunluce Castle. A must-play for any golfer visiting Northern Ireland. Royal Portrush hosted the 2012 Irish Open and The 148th Open in 2019. With plans to host the 153rd Open in 2025. We offer packages for The Open, so secure your spot today!

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The Open FAQs

Can I book tickets only through Links Golf St Andrews?

All of our packages must include Official Tickets/Hospitality with additional elements to constitute a package. If you are interested in attending The Open but our packages aren’t quite right for you, speak with one of our Golf Travel Consultants to discuss what options might be available.

Can I book accommodation only through Links Golf St Andrews?

The accommodation arrangements we have for The Open are set to align with our allocation of Official Tickets/Hospitality, therefore these are generally two elements we look to pair together. If however you acquired tickets to The Open directly from The R&A, but would like Links Golf St Andrews to assist with your wider travel arrangements, speak with one of our Golf Travel Consultants to discuss what options might be available.

Can I book transportation only through Links Golf St Andrews?

During The Open we will be running return coach shuttles to/from the event daily for our clients booked on packages, whilst we also own a fleet of smaller vehicles for 4-8 passengers. Should you be interested in utilising either of these services, speak with one of our Golf Travel Consultants to discuss what options might be available.

During my visit to The Open through Links Golf St Andrews, do I have to pre-book the coach shuttles I plan to get?

Our transport system of rolling coach shuttles is designed to allow our clients seamless flexibility with their plans each day. There is no requirement to book a specific shuttle, just show up for one of the predetermined departure times and there will be ample space available for all Links Golf St Andrews clients.

Can I customise my package?

Absolutely. Whilst we provide set packages to The Open to offer our clients simplicity and ease of booking, as specialists in luxury golf travel we are more than happy to customise a bespoke option as we would a private golf tour. Speak with one of our Golf Travel Consultants to discuss what options might be available.

Speak with one of our experts

Whether you know exactly what package you want, or if you are still figuring things out - feel free to get in touch and our experts would be delighted to assist.

Host Golf Courses of The Open

Golf Courses to have hosted The Open

The Old Course, St Andrews

Muirfield

Royal Troon

Turnberry

Carnoustie

Prestwick

Musselburgh

Royal Birkdale

Royal Lytham

Royal Liverpool

Royal St George's

Royal Cinque Ports

Princes Golf Club

Royal Portrush

The Open FAQs

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