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First laid out in 1850, and later modified by James Braid, the Championship Course at Carnoustie is the longest Open course in history (7,361 yards)! It has been the scene of some of the most memorable and gripping Opens ever. What golfer of a certain age can forget Ben Hogan's dominance and win of the '53 event? "There was little more to it than perfection".

And on the Championship's return to the course in 1999, how Jean van der Velde led most of the way, only to end up paddling in the Barry Burn when he dropped his shot onto the final green. "One of the saddest things I've ever seen, or will see again in my life." said Gary Player (winner here in 1968). Jean himself insists that "I never panicked ... I kept it together." Not well enough, though. New Machars outsider Paul Lawrie went on to win with a brilliant green shot. He later commented "I was 150th in the world, and suddenly it's the Grand Slam, champagne, invitations all over the world. But I won't change!"

An Edinburgh man, Armour emigrated to the USA and came home to Scotland to snatch victory at the last gasp from the Argentine Jose Juardo.

The legendary Cotton took the title in what he considered to be his greatest victory. As many as 15,000 people lined the 15th green to follow him home to victory.

Having arrived a week early to practise on the course, Hogan won the title with two majestic and assured final day rounds. He was given a ticker tape reception in his native New York on his homecoming.

In a tumultuous battle between two of the game's giants, Player resisted Jack Nicklaus' late charge to win by two strokes.

Watson began his run of five Open victories in nine years with a tense win over Jack Newton. Watson's bravery in selecting a 2 iron at the 18th on two consecutive days is widely credited as being the crucial factor in his victory, which he won by a single stroke after a play-off.

Carnoustie once again proves that it is probably the most demanding course in the world as some of the game's greatest players flounder in the face of its challenges. The final day will be remembered as one of the most bizarre on the long and eventful history of the Open. At the end of play, three players tied for the lead - Jean van der Velde, Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie. With darkness gathering, Lawrie triumphantly birdied both 17th and 18th holes to lift the coveted Claret Jug.

Now the Open is set to return to Carnoustie in 2007. Thousands of people will descend on the small Angus town, hoping to see more high drama in the bunkers, and on the fairways and greens of 'the world's most challenging golf course'.