Royal Birkdale to hold 2017 British Open

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has announced that the British Open will return to Royal Birkdale in 2017.

The Merseyside venue first hosted the tournament in 1954, though it has been six years since the event was last staged there.

Meanwhile, Scotland's Carnoustie has been named as the chosen course for 2018.

This year's competition, which gets underway on July 17, is being held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.