Carnoustie Golf Links will host The Open Championship in 2029, returning to one of the most difficult venues on the major championship rota.
The R&A announced the decision on Monday, marking the course’s return to hosting the men’s championship. While the venue is a perennial favorite for the tournament, the selection follows changes in how the links are managed and developed.
Unlike the hosting decisions made by the USGA for the U.S. Open, the R&A typically announces future sites with a shorter forecast. This recent announcement places the 2029 event less than three years away, following a period of massive growth in tournament attendance and economic impact.
The return to Carnoustie follows a trend of massive crowds at recent Opens. While the 2018 event saw 172,000 attendees, more recent tournaments have seen significantly higher numbers, including more than 300,000 patrons across eight days at Royal Birkdale and 290,000 at St. Andrews in 2022.
Private investment drives Carnoustie infrastructure
The management of the links has changed since the 2018 championship. In early 2025, the company is Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited reached an agreement with the Angus Council and the charity running the courses to take over day-to-day golf operations for eight years.
The R&A has announced that Carnoustie Golf Links will host the 2029 Open Championship. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/WYMtYwV9Pu
Max Herberstein led a consortium of investors, and according to business documents filed in the U.K., Herberstein owns around 40% of the company. The group’s strategy focuses on making Carnoustie a stronger tourism destination via its world-leading golf course.
The group has already initiated several large-scale projects to prepare for the influx of visitors. In 2023 Herberstein’s investment group bought the Carnoustie Golf Hotel for roughly £10 million. Recent reports indicate that £12 million has already been spent on acquiring and redeveloping projects in the area.
Carnoustie to host 2029 Open Championship as plans to 'enhance' historic venue pay off https://t.co/u6QBolYqWB
Planned improvements include:
- An expansion of the Carnoustie Hotel calling for 25 more rooms and an upgraded experience focused on luxury.
- The redevelopment of Simpson’s Golf Shop into a historical monument dedicated to Robert Simpson, the clubmaker and course designer who worked alongside Old Tom Morris.
- The conversion of a local bar into Maxi’s, a modern, swanky cafe and cocktail bar situated quite perfectly between the 18th green and the Carnoustie train station.
Logistical challenges shape R&a rotation
The decision to return to Carnoustie over other prestigious venues like Muirfield or Turnberry is tied to logistical readiness. R&A leadership has pointed to logistical issues repeatedly at both courses.
Open Championship returning to Carnoustie in 2029 #OpenChampionship #Carnoustie #PGA https://t.co/LZb9ARtl4s
Muirfield has reportedly been asked to alter its property to create more space for massive crowds. In a similar vein, Turnberry, located on Scotland’s western coast, has been cited as a logistical problem for such large groups, who need parking and simple transport access in an otherwise quiet region.
In contrast, Carnoustie’s new management team appears entirely dedicated to securing the next available Open and persuading the R&A to hold events at Carnoustie on a regular basis — encompassing the Women’s Open and the Senior Open in addition to the men’s Open. The Angus Council noted in presentations in recent years that without recurring visits from the Open, the local economy would miss its trickle-down effects.
Comparing recent Open Championship attendance
Rising attendance figures at recent major championships highlight the economic stakes for the town of Carnoustie.
| Venue | Year | Approximate Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Carnoustie Golf Links | 2018 | 172,000 |
| St. Andrews (The Old) | 2022 | 290,000 |
| Royal Birkdale | This year | More than 300,000 |
Frequently asked questions about the 2029 Open
Which courses are managed by the Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group?
The group manages not just the Championship course at the Carnoustie links, but the two other courses as well (Burnside and Buddon). They took over day-to-day golf operations in early 2025 under an eight-year agreement.
Why was Turnberry not selected for the 2029 Open?
R&A leadership has pointed to logistical difficulties at Turnberry, specifically regarding parking and easy transport for those crowds to an otherwise quiet part of the country.
What is the significance of Simpson’s Golf Shop?
The shop proudly boasts as the second-oldest golf shop in the world. Efforts are being made to transform the shop into a historical monument to Robert Simpson, the clubmaker and course designer who worked alongside Old Tom Morris.
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