IT WILL be up to the Royal and Ancient to decide when the Open Championship returns to Carnoustie.

Every year, the R&A chooses a host club from its rota, with St Andrews hosting the event every five years. There are nine courses on the current rota; Carnoustie, the Old Course at St Andrews, Muirfield, Turnberry, Royal Troon, Royal St George’s, Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham & St Annes and Royal Liverpool, often referred to simply as Hoylake.

However, other factors, such as courses being added to the rota or the R & A deciding to scrap the St Andrews five-year rule, could affect the timescale.