<P> The term Carnoustie effect dates from the 1999 Open, when the world's best players, many of whom were reared on manicured and relatively windless courses, were frustrated by the unexpected difficulties of the Carnoustie links, which was compounded by the weather . One much - fancied young favourite, a 19 - year - old Sergio García of Spain, went straight from the course to his mother's arms crying after shooting 89 and 83 in the first two rounds . The Carnoustie effect is defined as "that degree of mental and psychic shock experienced on collision with reality by those whose expectations are founded on false assumptions ." This being a psychological term, it can of course apply to disillusionment in any area of activity, not just in golf . </P> <P> The 1999 Open Championship is best remembered for the collapse of French golfer Jean van de Velde, who needed only a double - bogey six on the 72nd hole to win the Open--and proceeded to score a triple - bogey seven, tying Paul Lawrie and 1997 champion Justin Leonard at 290 (+ 6). Lawrie won the four - hole aggregate playoff and the championship . </P> <P> The Open Championship was once again contested at Carnoustie in July 2007 . The eight - year absence was far shorter than the lengthy 24 years it took to return to Carnoustie, between 1975 and 1999 . Harrington triumphed over García in a four - hole playoff . The 18th hole once again proved itself among the most dramatic and exciting in championship golf . Harrington had a one - shot lead over García as he approached the final hole in the fourth round, but proceeded to put not one but two shots into the Barry Burn, on his way to a double - bogey 6 . García, playing in the final pairing of the day, reached the 18th with a one - shot lead over Harrington, but bogeyed the hole after missing a putt from just under ten feet away, setting up the playoff . In the four - hole playoff, which ended on the 18th, Harrington took no chances with a two - shot lead on the 18th; his bogey was enough to defeat García by one shot . </P> <P> The Open Championship returned to Carnoustie in 2018 . </P>

When was the last time the british open was held at carnoustie