Full Breakdown
Royal Lytham Chosen for 2028 Open; Turnberry and Muirfield Excluded
4/28/2026, 11:16:39 AM
Core Event: Venue Selection and Schedule Shift
On 27 April 2026 the R&A announced Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the 156th Open from 3-6 August 2028, a window chosen to avoid the Los Angeles Olympic golf tournament.
Background & Context
The Open rotates among historic links; Royal Birkdale is set for 2026 and St Andrews for 2027. Lytham’s last Open was in 2012, when Ernie Els won after Adam Scott’s four-bogey finish, ending a 16-year gap. Turnberry, owned by Donald Trump, last hosted in 2009 and has sought a return; Muirfield’s most recent Open was in 2013. Both were omitted from the 2028 rota because the R&A cited infrastructure constraints.
Timeline
- 2012 – Lytham hosts (Els wins)
- 2026 – Royal Birkdale Open, 16-19 July
- 2027 – St Andrews Open, mid-July
- 2028 – Lytham Open, 3-6 August
Data & Statistics
2028 will be Lytham’s 12th Open, the first since 2012. The course now measures about 7 100 yards, par 70. 2025 Portrush drew 278 000 spectators; Turnberry’s 2009 attendance was roughly 120 000.
Why It Matters
Modern majors need extensive transport and lodging capacity; Lytham’s recent upgrades meet those needs. Turnberry’s remote location and Muirfield’s proximity to the Renaissance Club create “big logistical challenges.” The August slot also aligns the Open with the Olympic calendar.
Official Statements & Responses
The R&A’s release praised Lytham’s historic stature and readiness for a modern Open. CEO Mark Darbon said Turnberry remains under review but must first resolve logistical issues. Venue decisions are made independently of government input.
Criticism & Opposition
Donald Trump’s Turnberry has lobbied for inclusion, with Eric Trump meeting R&A officials in 2025. Critics say the R&A’s position is purely operational, citing limited transport links and lower historic attendance. Muirfield remains excluded despite its 2019 policy change on female membership.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the 2028 dates as either 30 July-6 August or 3-6 August. Attendance figures for recent Opens vary between 278 000 and “nearly 280 000.” Feasibility study results for Turnberry and Muirfield have not been released.
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, R&A CEO
- “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.” — Mark Darbon
- “The challenge at Turnberry is a logistical challenge.” — Mark Darbon
- “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
