'An outstanding test of links golf'
The Open Championship will return to Carnoustie in 2007, eight years after Frenchman Jean Van de Velde shocked us all with collosal collapse on the final hole.
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) -- The British Open is returning to Carnoustie in 2007.
The Open was last played on the Scottish links course in 1999, and is remembered as the championship in which Frenchman Jean Van Der Velde blew a three-stroke lead on the 72nd hole and then lost a three-way playoff to Scotsman Paul Lawrie.
"Carnoustie has always been acknowledged as an outstanding test of links golf with one of the most exacting finishes of any championship course," Peter Dawson, secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, said Thursday.
Before 1999, the Open was last played at Carnoustie in 1975.
Carnoustie was a punishing test in '99 when its hip-high rough, wind and wet weather sent scores soaring. The three playoff contenders finished regulation play with 6-over-par scores of 290.
Carnoustie first hosted the British Open in 1931, which was won by Tommy Armour.
Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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- Sunday Q&A with TNT's Billy Kratzert — TNT course reporter Billy Kratzert spent two hours Sunday morning in the tower off the 18th green and got a first-hand look at what the players faced at Royal Troon Golf Club. In his opinion, the conditions were the toughest they had been all week. He also offered his thoughts on surprise third-round leader Todd Hamilton's chances.
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