The Royal and Ancient announced that Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s near Blackpool, England will host the 2028 Open Championship, the 12th in Lytham’s illustrious history. The Open was last held there in 201 when Adam Scott bogeyed the last four holes coming home, while Ernie Else birdied 18 to pip him at the post. David Duval won his only major there in 2001. And Seve Ballesteros turned Lytham into his own personal playground winning consecutive Lytham Open Championships in 1979 and 1988.
Lytham may feature the toughest bunkering on Planet Earth. Formerly home to 208 bunkers at its zenith in 2012, recent renovation work has lowered that number to a slightly more manageable 167.
This year is the 100th anniversary of Bobby Jones winning the first Open Championship contested at Lytham, in 1926. The cub hosts the Ladies Open later this summer.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “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.
“This is one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues and The Open’s return to these famous links will spark huge interest among fans to be part of one of the world’s great sporting events and celebrate the rich traditions of golf’s original Championship.
“We are grateful to the members of Royal Lytham & St Annes and the local authorities for their support in making this happen. We look forward to enjoying another fantastic championship on England’s golf coast in 2028.”
Tim Walker, Chairman of Council at Royal Lytham & St Annes, said, “We are honoured to be chosen as the host venue for The 156th Open in 2028. The Club has a long and successful association with The Open, and we take great pride in our place within the Championship’s history. 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. We look forward to welcoming the world’s leading players, together with spectators and audiences from across the globe, to our links on England’s golf coast.”
