As the world’s top golfers battle it out this year at St Andrew’s for the Claret Jug, fans on the Fylde coast will be casting their minds back to when the oldest trophy in the game was battled for on our doorstep from July 19 to 22, 2012 – and won by South African Ernie Els.
The 2012 tournament was the 11th time the Open had been contested at Royal Lytham and St Annes, with previous winners there including Seve Ballesteros (twice), Tony Jacklin, Bob Charles and Bobby Locke, while Tiger Woods first came to the fore as leading amateur at the 1996 tournament staged in Fylde.
With Royal Liverpool now on the Open venue circuit along with Royal Birkdale, there is now more competition than ever to host the battle for the Claret Jug in the North West, but we look forward to the next time Royal Lytham and St Annes is the venue – and the massive boost it brings to the local economy as thousands flock to the area.
1. Ernie's winning turn
South Africa's Ernie Els lifts the Claret Jug and celebrates winning the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club. Photo: Nick Potts
2. Crowds galore savoured the action
Golf fans turned up in their thousands the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Photo: Peter Byrne
3. Tiger drew the crowds
A packed gallery of fans look on as Tiger Woods tees off on day one of the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Photo: Lynne Cameron
4. Litter-pickers students kept the tournament looking tidy
Litter-picking students were among the vital volunteers at the 2012 Open Golf Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes Photo: Submit
5. Packed stands to watch the action
The stands were packed with fans throughout the tournmanet Photo: Peter Byrne
6. Hoping for a 'home' win
These fans were hoping a British player could emulate Tiny Jacklin in 1969 and win at Royal Lytham and St Annes. Pic Darren Nelson Photo: staff