Gleneagles Hotel will host Europe’s only Senior Major Championship for a second time when the ISPS HANDA Senior Open returns to the venue in 2026.
The King’s Course will host the 39th edition of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open from July 23-26, 2026, following on from when it first hosted the Championship in 2022. That year, Northern Irishman Darren Clarke became the fourth player in history to win both The Open and Senior Open as he finished one stroke ahead of former Ryder Cup teammate and fellow Major Champion Pádraig Harrington.
Gleneagles has an enviable track record of hosting elite golf events across its three Championship courses, including the Ryder Cup in 2014 and the Solheim Cup in 2019 and 26 DP World Tour events since 1974.
Both the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup were played on The PGA Centenary Course and resulted in victories for Europe, with Paul McGinley’s side retaining the Ryder Cup as they defeated the United States 16½ – 11½. Five years later Catriona Matthew Captained Europe to their first Solheim Cup success since 2013 with a thrilling 14½ – 13½ victory.
A number of former winners at Gleneagles now play on the Legends Tour, including Thomas Bjørn, Søren Kjeldsen, Paul Lawrie and Ian Woosnam, who won the Scottish Open twice when it was held on The King’s Course.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said: “We look forward to Gleneagles staging the ISPS HANDA Senior Open for a second time in 2026. The King’s Course has a rich history of hosting leading championships and we know the players will enjoy the thrill of competing there, just as they did in 2022.
“We are continuing the development and appeal of the Championship by returning to such a renowned venue and I’m sure there will be great anticipation among fans to watch the world class players in action at Gleneagles.”
Edward Kitson, Championship Director of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open, said: “Three years ago, Gleneagles proved itself a more than worthy host venue of Europe’s only Senior Major Championship and we are delighted to announce our return their next year.
“The King’s Course at Gleneagles is rated by many as one of the best in the country and we look forward to seeing the legends of the game compete there once again in 2026.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is proud to welcome the ISPS HANDA Senior Open back to Gleneagles in 2026, a venue steeped in golfing history and the site of many iconic tournaments.
“Hosting the Senior Open is a celebration our heritage as the home of golf and highlights the strength of our world-class portfolio of sporting and cultural events. These events play an important role in growing our visitor economy and reinforcing Scotland’s global reputation as a top destination for tourism and events.”
Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, commented: “We are immensely proud of the legacy we have built as a stage for golf’s greatest moments, from hosting the Ryder Cup to the Solheim Cup. Welcoming back the ISPS HANDA Senior Open is both an honour and a continuation of that tradition. We look forward to hosting some of the game’s legendary players on The King’s Course – a timeless James Braid heathland classic that celebrated its centenary in 2019 – as it once again provides the setting for world-class professional golf.”
First played in 1987, the ISPS HANDA Senior Open counts on both the Legends Tour’s Order of Merit and the PGA TOUR Champions’ Charles Schwab Cup. The Senior Open has been held at some of the United Kingdom’s most renowned and historic courses including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal County Down, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush, Royal Lytham & St Annes and Sunningdale.
