Full Breakdown
2028 Open Championship Returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes
4/28/2026, 2:07:35 AM
Core Event
The R&A announced on 27 April 2026 that Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the 156th Open in 2028, scheduled for early August (officially Aug 3-6) to avoid a clash with the Los Angeles Olympic golf tournament. It will be the venue’s 12th Open and its first since Ernie Els won in 2012.
Background & Significance
Royal Lytham first staged The Open in 1926, when Bobby Jones claimed the inaugural title. The 2028 edition therefore marks the centenary of Jones’s victory and the 100-year anniversary of the club’s Royal charter. Past champions include Peter Thomson, Sir Bob Charles, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman and David Duval.
Data & Impact
The venue has hosted 12 Opens (1926-2028). Attendance rose from 181,000 in 2012 to over 300,000 projected for the 2026 Open, with one million ticket applications received. Economic forecasts estimate the 2028 championship will generate over £100 million for Lancashire.
Official Statements
Mark Darbon, R&A chief executive, described Lytham as “widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses” and “one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues.” He added that Turnberry remains under review but faces “logistical challenges primarily off the course (in terms of) road, rail and accommodation infrastructure.” Tim Walker, chairman of council at Royal Lytham, said the announcement “fits the 100-year mark since Bobby Jones’s 1926 win and the granting of our Royal status.”
Criticism & Opposition
Turnberry, owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has sought inclusion, yet the R&A cites its remote location, limited transport links and the risk of media focus on the owner. Muirfield remains excluded because of lingering infrastructure constraints and its historic ban on female members.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact dates: Reuters and several UK outlets list July 30-August 6, while ESPN, Sky Sports and the R&A press release specify August 3-6. No clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Mark Darbon, Chief Executive, The R&A
- “Turnberry is still in our thinking — we really like the golf course and we know that there are some logistical challenges primarily off the course (in terms of) road, rail and accommodation infrastructure,” — Mark Darbon, Chief Executive, The R&A
- “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.” — Tim Walker, Chairman of Council, Royal Lytham & St Annes
What’s Next
The rotation confirms Royal Birkdale for 2026, St Andrews for 2027 and Lytham for 2028; discussions with Turnberry and Muirfield continue.
