Monday 12 February 2018 15:28, UK
The R&A has announced St Andrews will host The 150th Open in 2021.
The Home of Golf will host the championship from July 15-18 for the 30th time - extending the record held by the Old Course for number of editions held on the Open roster.
Zach Johnson proved victorious the last time the tournament was held at the links course in 2015 when the American prevailed in a three-man four-hole playoff over Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen to clinch his second major title and first Claret Jug.
A brief statement on theopen.com read: "History will be made once again at the home of golf in 2021 when the 150th Open is played at St Andrews from 11-18 July."
The R&A chief executive, Martin Slumbers added: "The Open holds a very special place in the hearts of golf and sports fans around the world. The Championship enjoys a historic and celebrated relationship with the Old Course in St Andrews and we are excited to be marking the occasion of the 150th Championship at the home of golf in 2021."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said, "As the world's oldest and most prestigious professional golf championship, The Open is synonymous with both St Andrews and Scotland and I'm delighted St Andrews will welcome its 150th staging in 2021.
"The Open is without doubt one of the biggest events held in Scotland on a regular basis, drawing huge spectator attendance from outwith the country and providing a global media and broadcast platform to promote our outstanding golfing assets to future visitors.
"Through VisitScotland, we continue to support The Open and we will work with The R&A to deliver a Championship in 2021 befitting of its historical significance."
The Old Course first hosted The Open in 1873 and several notable greats of the game including Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have all since gone on to become the Champion Golfer of the Year at the iconic links venue.
The chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, Euan Loudon, said "It is always special when The Open returns to the Old Course and I am sure that excitement, both here in St Andrews and around the world, will build in anticipation of this special occasion.
"Almost every great champion in the game has played on our famous Links and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of golfing greats for The 150th Open."
Jordan Spieth secured his third major last summer with victory at Royal Birkdale after a gripping final day battle with countryman Matt Kuchar and will defend his title at The 147th Open this summer at Carnoustie, live on Sky Sports Golf.
