The R&A has confirmed that the 2028 Open Championship will be staged at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, ending a 16-year absence for the historic venue from golf’s oldest major. The announcement, made on Monday, also means that Donald Trump’s Turnberry Golf Club will not be part of the upcoming Open rota.
The decision places the 156th Open at one of England’s most traditional links courses, which last hosted the championship in 2012 when Ernie Els claimed victory following Adam Scott’s late collapse. The event will run from August 3-6, a later-than-usual date to avoid a scheduling clash with the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon emphasized the significance of the venue, stating: “Royal Lytham & St Annes is widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses and has witnessed many great championship moments since The Open was first played there in 1926 when the legendary Bobby Jones won.” He added, “This is one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues.”
Royal Lytham & St. Annes Selected Over Donald Trump’s Turnberry
GettyU.S. President Donald Trump
The selection of Royal Lytham & St. Annes marks the 12th time the venue will host The Open Championship, continuing its long-standing place in the tournament’s history. The course was first hosted in 1926, when Bobby Jones won, and has since crowned champions such as Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Tony Jacklin.
The 2012 edition remains one of the most memorable in recent history. Ernie Els secured the Claret Jug after Adam Scott bogeyed his final four holes, finishing one shot back.
Turnberry, owned by Donald Trump, had been seeking a return to The Open rotation but was not selected. The British Open was last hosted in 2009, when Stewart Cink won, and continues to face logistical challenges with infrastructure, including transport and accommodation.
Darbon confirmed that Turnberry remains under consideration but highlighted ongoing issues. “Turnberry is still in our thinking… we know that there are some logistical challenges that relate to staging a modern Open Championship,” he said (via National Club Golfer).
Royal Lytham, despite its own constraints, including limited space and surrounding infrastructure, was chosen due to its historical importance and proven championship pedigree. Darbon acknowledged the operational challenges, stating: “It’s not the easiest of our sites to operate… we need to be very thoughtful about how we manage everything that goes with a modern Open Championship.”
Royal Lytham & St. Annes Returns to Open Championship Rotation with Historic Significance
GettyRoyal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
The 2028 Open will carry additional historical meaning, coinciding closely with the centenary of Bobby Jones’ 1926 victory at the venue. Tim Walker, Chairman of Council at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, said: “It is fitting that this announcement comes as we mark 100 years since Bobby Jones’ victory here in 1926 and the granting of our Royal status.”
The tournament’s return also reflects the R&A’s effort to balance tradition with modern demands. While attendance at recent Opens has grown significantly, with Royal Birkdale expected to host around 300,000 fans, Lytham’s capacity remains more limited. The 2012 event drew 181,000 spectators.
Course modifications have been made since its last Open, including changes to the 7th and 11th holes to accommodate a new practice area. These updates aim to better support modern tournament infrastructure while preserving the course’s traditional character.
The Open’s schedule has also been adjusted for 2028, shifting into August to avoid overlapping with the Olympic golf competition in Los Angeles.
Before Lytham’s return, Royal Birkdale will host the championship this year, followed by the Old Course at St Andrews in 2027. The rotation reflects the R&A’s continued reliance on historic venues while evaluating future options such as Muirfield and Portmarnock.
Darbon noted ongoing discussions with other courses, stating: “We remain excited by the potential… it’s a complicated venue… but good progress is being made,” in reference to Portmarnock’s possible inclusion.
For now, the focus turns to Royal Lytham & St. Annes, where the Open Championship will once again return to one of its most established and recognizable links.
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