'We look forward to welcoming the world’s leading players': Royal Lytham & St Annes to host the 2028 Open Championship
Royal Lytham & St Annes has been confirmed as the host venue for the 156th Open Championship in 2028.
It will be held over the famous Fylde links for the 12th time between July 30 and August 6, making a return for the first time since 2012 when Ernie Els lifted the Claret Jug for the second time.
The South African joined an illustrious roll of champions at Royal Lytham & St Annes, including Bobby Jones, Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Sir Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman and David Duval.
It had been rumoured last week that the club was in strong contention, along with Royal St George’s in Kent, to host the 2028 tournament.
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, added: “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.”
It will be the second high profile competition in three years at the club, which is the host venue for this year’s AIG Women’s Open between July 29 and August 2.
Allan Oldfield, Fylde Council chief executive, said, “Fylde Council, our partners and the whole Fylde coast are delighted that The R&A has chosen to bring one of the world’s premier sporting events back to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028.
“We are ready to host what will be an exceptional experience for the players, the supporters and the Lancashire region with the hard work and determination to make the event a success already well underway. Our aim is to help host the best Open Championship ever.”
Mark Wynn, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, added: “I am really pleased to support the return of The Open to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028.
"Hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events is a significant opportunity for Lancashire, bringing international attention to the county, boosting the local economy and showcasing the Fylde coast as a first class destination for major events.
“Later this year, we are also excited to be welcoming the 2026 AIG Women’s Open to the course, which will feature the world’s leading women golfers.
“We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with partners and the organisers to ensure Lancashire plays its full part in delivering a successful and memorable Championship for players, spectators and communities across the county.”
Fans eager to register their interest in attending the 156th Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes can do so via TheOpen.com