Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course

Origins

The club's history began away from the links that golfers know today. Lytham & St Annes Golf Club was formed in 1886 and initially played on leased ground farther north, on land associated with the present St Annes Old Links. Uncertainty over the security of that lease eventually prompted the club to relocate roughly two miles south.

In 1897 it moved to the present site, where the club's first professional, George Lowe, laid out the new 18-hole course. The relocation proved permanent and established the foundation of the Championship Course. The club's original ground did not disappear from golf: Lowe later helped return that land to golfing use, contributing to the establishment of St Annes Old Links in 1901.

Design Philosophy

Royal Lytham's architecture is defined less by dramatic dunes than by positioning, angles and an unusually dense network of bunkers. The Open records 174 bunkers on the course, making avoidance of sand a central strategic problem. The present layout remains rooted in George Lowe's 1897 routing, but Harry Colt's work was particularly important to its development.

The club asked Colt for recommendations in 1919, after which substantial changes were made; further alterations followed during the inter-war period. K. Cotton.

The result is unusual among championship links: the course is separated from the beach and now enclosed by the surrounding town, with a railway line bordering parts of the property, yet its turf, wind and bunkering retain the strategic characteristics of links golf.

Development

Royal Lytham's move to the present site in 1897 was followed by continuing architectural refinement rather than wholesale replacement of Lowe's layout. Harry Colt's work from 1919 and between the wars provided the most significant subsequent changes, including alterations to greens and individual holes. The club also expanded its infrastructure early in the 20th century.

The Dormy House was built in 1911 and today contains 16 en-suite rooms overlooking the first-tee area. Championship preparation over later decades has generally concentrated on adjusting tees, length and bunkering rather than abandoning the established routing.

Recognition

Championship golf transformed Royal Lytham's international standing. Its first Open came in 1926, shortly after King George V approved the club's use of the 'Royal' title. Bobby Jones won that championship after a celebrated recovery at the 17th, where a plaque now commemorates the shot.

Ten further Opens followed through 2012, producing champions including Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Bob Charles, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman, David Duval and Ernie Els. Ballesteros won twice at Lytham, in 1979 and 1988; his 1979 victory included the famous recovery from a temporary car park. The R&A has confirmed that Royal Lytham will host The Open for a 12th time in 2028.

Today

Royal Lytham remains a private members' club that admits visitors during designated periods. For 2026, standard visitor golf is offered Monday to Friday from March through October, with the club closed to visitors from November through February. The club recommends the Green tees for visiting men and Orange tees for visiting women.

Practice facilities include a driving range, pitching area, putting green and warm-up nets, while caddies, club hire and trolleys can be arranged. A small number of buggies are available only for players with a verified medical need. The Dormy House provides on-site accommodation, and the clubhouse includes dining and bar facilities.

Royal Lytham continues to operate as an active championship venue, hosting the AIG Women's Open in 2026 before The Open returns in 2028.