Open Championship in 2011, 2012

Royal St George's and Royal Lytham and St Anne's were named as host courses for the Open Championship in 2011 and 2012 respectively by the R&A today. I'd link to the AP copy, but that's basically what it says.

So, that's good news for two courses considered the middle children of the Open rota. Or are they? Since 1980, here's the breakdown of host courses for the Open (including already scheduled future Opens):

Old Course, St Andrew's - 6
St George's - 5
Muirfield - 4
Troon - 4
Lytham/St Anne's - 4
Birkdale - 4
Turnberry - 3
Carnoustie - 2
Royal Liverpool - 1

Nothing against either of these two courses, but you mean to tell me that Royal St George's is almost as impressive to the R&A as the Old Course? It does have the deepest bunker in championship golf. (Below)



Or, how about the Lytham, that starts on a par 3? The reverse East Lake, if you might.