Future Women's Open Venues Confirmed

The 2020 AIG Women's Open is already breaking new ground at Royal Troon, but The R&A has now announced that another notable first will occur in the near future, with the championship in 2022 to be staged at the revered Muirfield.

Home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield's future status as a host of The Open Championship was in jeopardy following controversy surrounding the resident club's male-only policy, which was only addressed by a breakthrough membership vote in 2017.

Welcoming the Women's Open to such a renowned course - regarded by many as the best in Scotland - is a significant moment for the game, providing a magnificent platform for the world's best female golfers, but also ushering in a more inclusive era for the ancient institution that is based in East Lothian.

Confirming venues for the first next five years, the Women's Open will remain in the Home of Golf for 2021, returning to Carnoustie Golf Links, where Yani Tseng brilliantly triumphed nine years ago. Departing from the traditional links in 2023, the event will visit the highly regarded Walton Heath for the first time, the Surrey club best remembered for the 1981 Ryder Cup in addition to the Senior Open and British Masters.

Heading back to the legendary Old Course at St Andrews - the host of 2007 and 2013 - the Women's Open will walk in the footsteps of history in Fife for the 2024 edition, while the celebrated Royal Porthcawl signals the introduction of the championship to Wales in 2025.

The Women's Open Comes to Muirfield in 2022)

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “With our partners at AIG, we have a real ambition to grow and elevate the AIG Women’s Open for the benefit of the world’s leading golfers and so we are excited to confirm our intention to play the next five championships at these renowned courses.

“It has truly been a collaborative effort from all the venues involved to make this schedule possible and the flexibility that they have shown in adjusting their own calendars has been vital in allowing us to confirm our plans for the championship through to 2025.

“We are grateful for their support, particularly during a time when golf has been impacted by the ongoing pandemic, and we look forward to working with these venues to deliver an outstanding experience to be enjoyed by everyone involved in the AIG Women’s Open.”

Commenting on a first at Muirfield, Alastair Campbell, Captain, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, said: “The Honourable Company relishes the prospect of hosting the AIG Women’s Open in 2022. I know our members and many others will be enthusiastic in welcoming the world’s best women golfers as they tackle our famous championship links.”

The quality of a championship is often determined by the standard of the venue. From Royal Troon in 2020 to Royal Porthcawl in 2025, and everything between, the Women's Open is set to reach new heights.