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Carnoustie 2021

Carnoustie 2021

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Links' storied connection with women's golf

Carnoustie general views and beauty shot

In 2021, the AIG Women’s Open will be held at Carnoustie for the second time, further strengthening the venue's links with top-level women's golf.

Carnoustie Golf Links is the world's oldest artisan golf club, and a course recognisable for nearly 200 years after being first laid out by the man who inspired the birth of The Open Championship, Allan Robertson.

The famous Angus links has had a remarkable history since then, frequently holding the most prestigious events in the British Isles, including The Open Championship on eight occasions.

As with the men's game, Carnoustie’s connection with women’s golf is also storied, and dates back long before its first hosting of the Women’s Open in 2011. In 1961, Carnoustie welcomed the Women’s Amateur Championship for the first time, with Marley Spearman triumphing 7&6 in the final over Diane J. Robb.

The venue also acted as host for the same event in 1973, where Mickey Walker lost a closely contested final 3&2 to Ann Irvin.

After hosting The 136th Open in 2007, Carnoustie once again became a prominent course in women’s golf, hosting the Women’s Amateur for the third time in 2012 a year after its first Women's Open. On this occasion, Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow prevailed. Only nine courses have ever hosted the Women's Amateur more in 127 years of its playing.

Yani Tseng holding the AIG Women's Open trophy

Yani Tseng with the Women's Open trophy in 2011 after winning at Carnoustie

The AIG Women’s Open in 2011 was certainly a special occasion. The dominant force in women’s golf at the time, Yani Tseng, defended her title in triumphant style, seeing off legends of the event, primarily Sophie Gustafson and Catriona Matthew, in the process.

Also notable in 2011 was the fact current world number four Danielle Kang and reigning AIG Women’s Open Champion Sophia Popov each made their debuts as amateurs at the event.

“Honestly, I can't wait,” Popov told AIGWomensOpen.com last year when asked about the venue for the 2021 Championship. “I love Carnoustie. It's an incredible course. Carnoustie was the site of my first Women's Open, so I have great memories there playing as an amateur and I love that place. So it really doesn't get any better than that.”

“I'm excited to go back and defend my title, but I really don't want to give this trophy away, so I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it.”

Tickets are available now for the 2021 AIG Women's Open at Carnoustie. AIG Women's Open tickets are available here.