The 2028 Open will be held at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s, the R&A has announced, with US president Donald Trump’s Turnberry course missing out on hosting the world’s oldest major.
Muirfield was also in the running to stage the Championship, but Lytham will instead play host for the first time since 2012, when Ernie Els won his second Claret Jug.
“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,” said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A.
“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.”
Trump’s Open wait continues
Turnberry has not hosted The Open since 2009, five years before it was purchased by Trump.
That Championship lives long in the memory as it saw Stewart Cink deny 59-year-old Tom Watson a sixth Claret Jug, Cink prevailing in a play-off.
R&A officials met with Trump’s son Eric last year to discuss a potential return to the South Ayrshire course, though Darbon explained at the time that there were “big logistical issues” at Turnberry.
The UK government has spoken with the R&A about Turnberry hosting for a fifth time. However, when asked on Monday about the future of both Turnberry and Muirfield as Open sites for the future, Darbon simply said that “dialogue was ongoing”.
Instead, the Championship will head to the Fylde coast in two years’ time, with Tim Walker, Chairman of Council at Royal Lytham & St Annes, saying: “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.”
The 2026 Open will be held at Royal Birkdale in Southport from July 15-19. Scottie Scheffler will defend after winning his first Claret Jug at Portrush last year.
