Troon handed 2004 Open

Justin Leonard won at Royal Troon in 1997

Royal Troon has been awarded the 2004 Open Championship ahead of neighbouring Turnberry.

It is understood both Ayrshire courses were in the running but Troon's superior infrastructure swung the balance.

The R&A stressed that Turnberry has not been removed from the Open circuit and it could host the 2007 event if access is improved.

It is still in the running for the 2009 Ryder Cup along with Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Loch Lomond, Slaley Hall and Celtic Manor.

Troon last hosted The Open in 1997 when Justin Leonard took the title.

This will be the eighth time it has been held at the course.

Arthur Havers was the winner there in 1923 when the championship was first held there.

He remains the only European to have won The Open at Royal Troon.

South Africa's Bobby Locke won the second championship event in 1950.

Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia have all taken the Claret Jug back to the USA from Ayrshire since then.

This year's Open takes place at Royal Lytham, Muirfield hosts the championship in 2002 and Royal St George's is the venue for the 2003 event.

St Andrews, the Millennium Open venue, is thought to be the favourite for 2005.