Muirfield Gains Momentum for Open Return With Senior Open Announcement

Muirfield appears to be moving a step nearer to hosting the Claret Jug once more, following The R&A’s confirmation that it will stage the ISPS Handa Senior Open in 2028.

The Open Championship has taken place 16 times at this historic East Lothian venue, though it has not returned since 2013, initially due to disputes regarding female membership and more recently because of various logistical complications.

Nevertheless, the Claret Jug’s potential return seems plausible if the Senior Open’s comeback signals a broader trend.

The 2028 Senior Open is scheduled to take place at Muirfield from 10 to 13 August, marking only the second time the event has been held at this location, following its initial return in 2007.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Muirfield for the ISPS HANDA Senior Open in 2028,” said championship director Edward Kitson.

“This will be just the second time that we have taken the Senior Open to this historic championship links. The golf course is rated by many as one of the best in the country and we look forward to seeing the legends of the game compete there once again in 2028.”

The R&A’s chief championships officer Johnnie Cole-Hamilton added: “Muirfield has a proud tradition of hosting the world’s leading professional and amateur events and remains an important venue for The R&A and all our championships.

“We look forward to returning for the ISPS HANDA Senior Open in 2028 and enjoying another memorable week of golf at this outstanding venue.”

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In addition to hosting 16 Opens, Muirfield has accommodated 11 Amateur Championships, the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup, and two Curtis Cups.

The most recent Major to be held at the venue was the 2022 AIG Women’s Open, which also suggested a possible welcome return for The Open.

Nevertheless, while R&A chief Mark Darbon stated “we love the golf course at Muirfield”, he noted that specific challenges still persist.

“There are some things we need to evolve at Muirfield, the practice ground in particular is a challenge for us with a modern Open,” Darbon said in 2025.

“And there’s some work to facilitate some infrastructure we need, but there’s some good dialogue and we’d love to go back there in the future.”

Numerous golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Robert MacIntyre, have supported an Open return for Muirfield, and the hosting of the Senior Open serves as an encouraging indicator.

A significant obstacle remains the Scottish Open being played at the adjacent Renaissance Club in the week preceding The Open, requiring either a date or venue adjustment before the Claret Jug can return.