The prestigious British Open will make its much-anticipated return to St. Andrews in 2027, which may present Tiger Woods with an opportunity to play on the course he cherishes most and potentially reflect at the iconic Swilcan Bridge.
The R&A revealed on Thursday that this legendary championship will be hosted at the Old Course for the 31st time, marking the highest number of tournaments held at any single links course. The last occurrence at this historic venue was in 2022, where Cameron Smith achieved victory with an impressive final round of 64, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
Mark Darbon, who has just stepped into the role of chief executive of the R&A, expressed his enthusiasm over his inaugural announcement coinciding with a return to the Old Course. “I am very much looking forward to the Open’s return to St. Andrews, just like the players and the fans,” said Darbon. “There’s something exceptionally significant about the Open being played here, where so many legendary champions have graced these fairways since it first took place in 1873.”
Choosing St. Andrews for the 2027 event indicates that Muirfield, located east of Edinburgh and which last hosted the Open in 2013, will not see another tournament until at least 2028. The R&A’s scheduling aims to avoid consecutive Opens in the same vicinity, thus extending Muirfield’s wait, which was typically less than 11 years—disrupted only by two World Wars.
Woods claimed victory at St. Andrews in 2000 during a historic year where he swept all four majors, winning by an astounding eight shots, making him the youngest player at age 24 to secure a career Grand Slam. He successfully defended his title here in 2005 as well.
In 2022, Woods faced disappointment as he missed the cut, leaving him uncertain if he would return to the Old Course again. Iconic figures like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson have made memorable stops at the Swilcan Bridge, soaking in the atmosphere, making Woods’ farewell feel even more poignant.
“Stop! Stop!” photographers shouted to Woods in 2022, but as he reached the bridge, he merely raised his cap and carried on walking. Reflecting on the moment, Woods shared, “That was my favorite golf course in the whole world, and if that was it, then that was it. I felt emotional because I don’t know if I will ever play St. Andrews again. I will participate in future Open Championships, but who knows if I will be around when it returns here?”
Woods played at Royal Troon last year and is expected to compete at Royal Portrush this July. Given the timeline, he would be 51 years old when the Open returns to St. Andrews in 2027.
The R&A highlighted that the 2022 Open at St. Andrews attracted an impressive 290,000 spectators, the highest attendance for any Open held in Scotland. This success may have influenced the decision to prioritize St. Andrews over Muirfield, which does not offer the same capacity for spectators.
During Martin Slumbers’ leadership, there has been an emphasis on boosting the profile of significant events with larger crowds. Darbon remarked, “St. Andrews is the home of golf, generating a unique atmosphere for fans and players alike, while also delivering an extraordinary spectacle on television and through digital platforms for millions globally. This will be a remarkable occasion at one of sports’ most historic venues, and we will strive to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
