NEWS

News Release 20 April 2006

The Open returns to the Home of Golf

Tiger Woods, St Andrews Champion 2000 and 2005

The news that The Open Championship will make a return to the Old Course in four years’ time has been welcomed by St Andrews Links Trust.

The R&A made the announcement today (Thu) that The Open will be played on the most famous stage in golf from 15-18 July, 2010.

The Home of Golf hosted one of the most successful ever championships last year, when Tiger Woods retained his St Andrews Open title and joined Jack Nicklaus, James Braid, JH Taylor and Bob Martin as a two time winner on the Old Course.

The championship's return to the town will mark the 150th anniversary of the playing of the first Open in 1860 at Prestwick and the 28th time it has been held at St Andrews Links.

Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, which manages and administers the Old Course, said, “It is a privilege for the Links Management Committee to welcome back The Open to St Andrews and I would like to express our gratitude to The R&A. Last year’s event was a huge success and we were fortunate to witness one of the most momentous Open championships.

“The Old Course is revered as the Home of Golf and there is a tremendous sense of tradition and history attached to staging The Open here. We were very pleased to hear the widespread praise for the condition of the Old Course last year from players and spectators alike. We will now work with The R&A to focus our efforts over the next four years on ensuring that the course once again provides a wonderful stage for the world’s leading golfers.”

Ends.

Media contact

Mike Woodcock
Communications Manager
St Andrews Links Trust
01334 466610

E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk