EXCITING news that the Open Championship is returning to Kent was met with widespread anticipation at Royal St George’s.

An official announcement was made at the club on Tuesday, eight months after Kent Messenger Group newspaper the East Kent Mercury exclusively broke the news that golf’s premier tournament could return.

Club captain Richard McClean said: "We are very proud to be chosen to host the event. It is an honour for everybody involved within the club.

"Royal St George’s is a tough course and it will provide for a very interesting tournament in 2011."

Mike Tate, of the Royal and Ancient, said: "We are delighted that the event will return to Sandwich. The club did a fantastic job in 2003 and I am sure it will again."

The championship will take place from July 14 to 17.

INDEPTH COVERAGE OF THE OPEN'S RETURN TO KENT IN THIS WEEK'S EAST KENT MERCURY