Royal Lytham makes return to golf's major calendar
The R&A has confirmed that Royal Lytham & St Annes will soon make its return to the major golfing calendar.
www.bunkered.co.ukHere are the latest publicly reported developments about Royal Lytham & St Annes:
- The club has secured planning approval for remodelling works intended to support hosting future major championships, including the AIG Women’s Open in 2026. This suggests ongoing investment to keep the venue competitive for top-level events.[2][4]
- The Open Championship has not returned to Royal Lytham since 2012, with occasional discussion about when it might return; industry sources in 2023–2024 indicated potential future consideration, though no firm date for the men’s Open has been announced as of that period.[1]
- In official statements, the R&A has signalled that Royal Lytham remains part of their venue considerations for future Opens, while noting logistical and infrastructural considerations that influence rotation decisions.[3]
Illustration: a planned remodel includes a new practice ground and tee, a revised 14th tee, routing changes on the 11th, and improved access roads, all aimed at ensuring the course can host major events going forward.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise timelines or compile a brief timeline of events and quotes from local authorities and the R&A. Would you prefer a concise timeline or a short bulleted update with key dates and quotes?
Citations:
- Royal Lytham remodelling approval and 2026 Women’s Open: sources indicate planning approval and the 2026 Women’s Open at Lytham.[4][2]
- History and potential return of The Open to Lytham: discussion and related context from Golf Monthly reporting in 2023.[1]
- R&A comments on Lytham in the Open rotation: coverage noting Lytham as part of future venue considerations.[3]