The iconic Scottish course, which is widely considered to be the home of golf, will host competition between July 11 and 18.

It will be the 30th time that the tournament - also known as the British Open - has been staged at St Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world.

The venue has held every edition of The Open in years ending with a five or zero since the 1990s but was not named as the 2020 venue to allow it to stage the special 150th tournament.

Royal St George's in Kent will instead host in 2020.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, welcomed the news.

"The Open holds a very special place in the hearts of golf and sports fans around the world," he said. 

"The Championship enjoys a historic and celebrated relationship with the Old Course in St Andrews and we are excited to be marking the occasion of the 150th Championship at the home of golf in 2021. 

"St Andrews has produced a revered group of outstanding champion golfers since The Open was first played on the Old Course in 1873. 

"Once again we look forward to seeing the greatest players take on the challenge of the world's most iconic links course in their pursuit of the claret jug."

American Jordan Spieth is the reigning Open champion after winning at Royal Birkdale last year.

His compatriot Zach Johnson won the last time the tournament was held at St Andrews, in 2015.

"There can be no more fitting celebration of the rich heritage of the home of golf and its relationship with the world's oldest major championship than as host of the 150th Open," said Euan London, chief executive of the St Andrews Links Trust.

"It is always special when The Open returns to the Old Course and I am sure that excitement, both here in St Andrews and around the world, will build in anticipation of this special occasion.

"Almost every great champion in the game has played on our famous links and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of golfing greats for the 150th Open."