Royal Troon announced as golfing venue for The Open 2016

Renowned golfing competition the Open Championship is set to return to Royal Troon in 2016.

The course last hosted the competition eight years ago in 2004 when veteran American Todd Hamilton held off three-time major champion Ernie Els in a play-off.

Royal Troon has hosted the competition eight times and 2016 will mark the 145th year of the championship.

The move, which will see an estimated 180,000 visitors to the area, has been welcomed by council leaders as great news for all of Ayrshire.

The Open is always played in Scotland or England on the weekend of the third Friday in July.

Royal Troon will be the third Scottish host for the event in four years, as St Andrews will host in 2015 and Muirfield in 2013.

The course in Troon has been a host for the Open since 1923.

Jim McArthur, chairman of the R&A Championship committee, said: “We are delighted to announce that the Open will be returning to Royal Troon in 2016.

“Royal Troon is an excellent venue which has consistently challenged the best golfers in the world.

“I am sure that Ayrshire, with its historic connection to the Open, will once again provide a superb setting for the game’s oldest major championship.”

An independent study commissioned by The R&A recently found that the Open Championship at St Andrews in 2010 delivered a total economic benefit of £100m to the town and surrounding area.

Welcoming the news, South Ayrshire Council Leader Councillor Bill McIntosh, said: “This is great news – not just for Troon, but for the whole of Ayrshire.

“As well as giving us a chance to showcase the fantastic golf in this area, our stunning scenery, culture and heritage, the Open will also bring a terrific economic boost with a £100m benefit to its host economy.

“This is vital investment for our area that will help create a lasting and positive legacy for generations to come.

“We look forward to working with The R&A and Royal Troon to provide a memorable welcome in 2016 for an estimated 180,000 visitors to the county where the Open Championship began.”

People who read this story also read