Muirfield will host the 2013 Open, the 16th time that the Scottish course near Edinburgh has hosted the oldest of golf's four Majors and the only one to be staged outside the United States.

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When The Open was last staged at Muirfield in 2002, South Africa's Ernie Els won after seeing off France's Thomas Levet in a play-off that also initially featured Australian duo Stuart Appleby and Steve Elkington.

Nick Faldo, arguably England's best golfer of all-time, won two of his three British Opens at the course while golf greats Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson have all lifted the Claret Jug at Muirfield.

David Hill, director of championships at tournament organisers the Royal and Ancient Club said: "We are delighted that The Open is returning to Muirfield, an outstanding championship course that consistently produces a very worthy champion."

Turnberry, another Scottish course, is due to host this year's British Open in July and the tournament will remain in Scotland in 2010 when, 150 years after the first Open, the event takes place at St Andrews, the R and A's home.

England then takes over with Sandwich playing host in 2011 before Royal Lytham, near Blackpool, stages the Championship in 2012.

By tradition, The Open is always held at a seaside links course where the effect of coastal winds can often have a significant impact on players' scores.