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Royal Lytham secured for 2028 Open Championship
The R&A has announced that Royal Lytham & St Annes will host golf's oldest major in 2028, marking the 12th time the Lancashire links welcomes the tournament. The decision excludes Donald Trump's Turnberry and Scotland's Muirfield from the rota.
Turnberry's future remains uncertain
Turnberry, which last staged The Open in 2009, was not selected despite discussions between R&A officials and Eric Trump, the former US president's son. R&A chief executive Martin Darbon cited "significant logistical challenges" at the Ayrshire venue, including infrastructure limitations to accommodate modern tournament demands.
Eric Trump previously stated his father "deserves" to host The Open again but acknowledged the decision would likely come after his presidency. Darbon confirmed ongoing dialogue but stopped short of guaranteeing Turnberry's return.
"We would love to go back, but the venue must meet the scale of a contemporary Open,"
Mark Darbon, R&A Chief Executive
Muirfield's absence linked to infrastructure and scheduling
The historic East Lothian course, which last hosted The Open in 2013, faces two key obstacles: inadequate practice facilities and a scheduling conflict with the Genesis Scottish Open. The latter tournament, held at the adjacent Renaissance Club, recently extended its contract until 2030, complicating Muirfield's bid to rejoin the rota.
Lytham's upgrades prepare for modern demands
Royal Lytham, nestled near Blackpool, has undergone extensive renovations to meet The Open's requirements. The most notable change involved converting the par-five 11th hole from a dog-leg into a 601-yard straight fairway, freeing space for a new practice area. Additional improvements include upgraded internal roads to enhance access and maintenance.
The course will first showcase its upgrades during the AIG Women's Open from July 29 to August 2 this year.
2028 Open delayed to avoid Olympic clash
The 2028 tournament will take place from August 3-6, a week later than usual, to avoid overlapping with the Los Angeles Olympics. Golf events at the Games are scheduled from July 19-29.
Lytham's return continues a recent focus on England's northwest coast. Royal Liverpool hosted in 2023, while Royal Birkdale will stage this year's Open from July 16-19. St Andrews, the "Home of Golf," will host in 2027 for a record 31st time.
Legacy of champions at Lytham
Royal Lytham has hosted 11 Opens, five Women's Opens, and multiple Ryder Cups since its debut in 1926. American amateur Bobby Jones won the first of his three Claret Jugs here, while Spain's Seve Ballesteros secured two of his three Open titles at the course in 1979 and 1988.
Despite its coastal location, the course's tight layout-bordered by a railway and residential areas-offers no sea views, creating a unique challenge for players.
