The Open Championship will return to Lancashire for the first time since 2012, with Royal Lytham & St Annes set to host the 156th edition in 2028 – marking the venue’s 12th time hosting golf’s oldest major
The Open Championship will be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes from 30 July to 6 August 2028, the 12th time the championship has been staged at the venue.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) made the announcement on 27 April, bringing one of sport’s most prestigious events back to England’s Fylde coast its 156th edition.
The Open returns to the Lancashire links course for the first time since 2012, when Ernie Els lifted the second Claret Jug of his career. His victory came after a late collapse by Adam Scott, who made bogey on his final four holes to finish one shot behind the South African.
The Open: Royal Lytham steeped in championship history
Royal Lytham & St Annes’ Open pedigree stretches back a century; the championship was first played there in 1926 when the legendary Bobby Jones won. The club has since welcomed an illustrious roll of champions including Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Sir Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman and David Duval.
The R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon 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.”
Tim Walker, Chairman of Council at Royal Lytham & St Annes said the club is honoured to be chosen as host for the 156th Open, noting it is fitting that the announcement comes as the club marks 100 years since Bobby Jones’ victory and the granting of its ‘Royal’ status.
Lancashire’s commercial opportunity
The hosting rights carry considerable commercial weight for the county. Mark Wynn, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, said: “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.”
The timing of the 2028 edition is notable, with The R&A moving the Open back to August to ensure its schedule does not clash with the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This places it later in the summer calendar than is typical for the championship, presenting both logistical considerations and potential audience dynamics for commercial partners and broadcasters planning around the Olympic period.
Royal Lytham & St Annes will also host this year’s AIG Women’s Open, running from 29 July to 2 August, giving the Lancashire venue back-to-back years of major championship exposure ahead of the 2028 men’s Open.
The men’s Open will be played at Royal Birkdale this year before returning to the Old Course at St Andrews in 2027.
With Lytham now confirmed for 2028, no venue has yet been announced for 2029. Darbon told reporters The R&A is in ongoing dialogue with Muirfield about a possible return, as well as Turnberry, though the latter continues to pose challenges around tournament infrastructure.
