The R&A has confirmed that St Andrews is to host the 2027 Open Championship, dashing Muirfield’s hopes of returning to the rota of venues.

The Old Course will stage the 155th Open from July 11-18, five years after Australian Cameron Smith won the Claret Jug the last time it was played there in 2022.

Fife, and Scotland as a whole, is set to enjoy another major economic uplift as a result of the championship returning to the iconic links, with more than £300 million having been generated five years ago as 80 million tuned in to their TVs across the globe to watch the action unfold.

Muirfield last staged the Open in 2013, Phil Mickelson winning by three shots from Henrik Stenson. The East Lothian course will now have to wait until at least 2028 to host the championship.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “There is something incredibly special about The Open being played on the Old Course and so many of the great champions have walked these fairways since the first staging here in 1873.

“It promises to be another milestone occasion at one of sport’s greatest and most historic venues and we will be doing everything we can to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with The R&A, Scottish Government and VisitScotland to see The Open return to St Andrews in 2027. The 155th Open will be the 31st occasion The Old Course has hosted this great Championship.

“The St Andrews Links Trust golf courses are open to all and are an intrinsic part of this historic town. We look forward to the 155th Open inspiring the journeys of many more golfers who wish to create unforgettable memories at the Home of Golf.”