The Aberdeen-based Lawrie was a popular and surprise winner in 1999

The Open returned to the Scottish course in 1999 after a break of 24 years and was won by Paul Lawrie.

The 2007 Open will run from 19-22 July and will be the event's seventh visit to the Angus course.

"Carnoustie (is) an outstanding test of links golf and we are delighted to be returning," said Royal and Ancient secretary Peter Dawson.

The 7,361-yard links course is known as perhaps the hardest test on the Open rota.

CARNOUSTIE CHAMPIONS 1931 Tommy Armour 1937 Henry Cotton 1953 Ben Hogan 1968 Gary Player 1975 Tom Watson 1999 Paul Lawrie

Previous winners of the ancient claret jug at Carnoustie include Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

Angus Council leader Rob Murray said: "The 1999 championship surpassed the expectations of all involved and secured Carnoustie's reputation as one of the best links courses in the world.

"The Open is one of the most coveted golfing titles in the world and I am delighted it is returning to Carnoustie. Generations of golfing greats have played here and we look forward to introducing some newcomers to its delights and challenges in 2007."

Socks off

The 1999 championship is best remembered for Jean Van de Velde's extraordinary collapse on the last hole.

Needing a six on the par-four 18th, the Frenchman drove into the rough, sliced his second into thick grass from where his third shot ended in the burn guarding the green.

After peeling off socks and shoes to consider playing the ball from the water, Van de Velde finally took a drop and ultimately had to settle for a triple-bogey seven.

Lawrie capitalised on his collapse with consecutive birdies to win the play-off.

Road access to the venue will be improved by 2007 with the creation of a new dual carriageway between Dundee and Arbroath.