The Old Course has hosted the Open Championship 29 times, as well as two Women’s British Opens. The Senior Open, however, has not stepped foot on the sacred grounds of St. Andrews.
Until now.
On Tuesday, the R&A and the European Tour announced the Senior British Open will be held at the Home of Golf in 2018.
"I am thrilled at the news that the Senior Open Championship will be staged over the Old Course for the first time in 2018," Tom Watson said. "Only last July, I played what I believed would be my final competitive round of golf at The Open, and the reception I received as darkness fell on that Friday evening will stay with me always. However, the R&A, the European Tour and the St. Andrews Links Trust have shown the spirit of cooperation that exists in the game. By agreeing to bring this wonderful championship to the Home of Golf in July 2018, they have allowed not just me, but many other great champions, an opportunity to return to a venue that means so much to everyone who plays the game."
St. Andrews becomes the 13th venue to host the Senior Open. R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers cited the aura and enthusiasm that envelopes the Old Course as the reason for the decision.
"We know that the galleries in St. Andrews are passionate about golf, and I'm sure they will turn out in strong numbers to see so many renowned senior players competing."