Ernie Els implores R&A to take The Open back to Muirfield

Multiple major champion Ernie Els has urged the R&A to take The Open back to Muirfield 'as soon as possible'. 

Golf's oldest major championship hasn't been played at the popular Scottish venue since Phil Mickelson triumphed there in 2013. 

Mickelson played one of the greatest final rounds in Open championship history, carding a 66, to defeat Henrik Stenson by three strokes to win his first and only Claret Jug. 

Tournament organisers have cited concerns over Muirfield's infrastructure as one reason why the major has not returned since. 

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon also expressed concerns over the adequacy of Muirfield's practice facilities and its ability to support large crowds during his news conference at Royal Portrush a few weeks ago. 

The Big Easy, though, is hopeful The Open will return to Muirfield and he's perplexed why it hasn't. 

"I'm not sure why it's not gone back there," Els told reporters at the launch of his new private golf club in Vilamoura.

"It's been more than ten years. Normally there is a ten-year gap between Opens at a particular course.

"In my view, Muirfield is up there, it's in my top three [courses]."

Trump 'deserves' Open at Turnberry

Meanwhile, there has been plenty of speculation as to where The Open will head in 2028. 

The Open will be played at Royal Birkdale in 2026 before heading back to St Andrews in 2027. 

US president Donald Trump is desperate to see The Open staged at Turnberry. 

The Ayrshire venue last hosted The Open in 2009, five years before Trump bought the resort. 

His son Eric Trump recently told BBC Sport his father deserves to have Turnberry host The Open as 'nobody has done more for the sport of golf'. 

"He's been a cheerleader his entire life, because he loves it and he believes in it," he told the publication. 

"In time that will be rewarded. We'll be given our shot and again it will be a great honour and a great testament to a great legacy when we do."

Eric said its likely, though, that The Open will head back to Turnberry after his father has left office in 2029. 

The aforementioned Darbon told reporters earlier in the month that, like Muirfield, 'logistical issues' remain. 

Eric denied this was the case, adding: "You could host the Open Championship on that course tomorrow. It's impeccable, and Turnberry is ready for it.

"I think any challenge can be worked through and solved with smart people."