CARNOUSTIE golf course will welcome the Dunhill Links Championship back again next year.

The five-year deal with the organisers of the prestigious event expired this year, but another identical agreement has been made.

With the Open returning to Carnoustie in 2007, it means Angus golfing fans have top class competition guaranteed on their doorstep until 2010.

The only feather missing from Carnoustie’s cap is its selection as a Ryder Cup venue.

Its bid back in 2001 to host the 2010 event was unsuccessful, but it is hoped that the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles will have a spin-off benefit for the Angus links.

Golf Services Manager Colin McLeod said he believed that Carnoustie would be chosen as a future Ryder Cup venue.

“There’s no doubt that one day it will be here as Carnoustie ticks all the boxes,” he said.