Open Championship returns to Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club after 16 years in major boost for Fylde coast
“This is a world‑class event that brings enormous pride to our area - and a lasting legacy”
The Fylde coast is savouring the return of golf’s first and greatest tournament to the area in 2028.
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club will again stage the Open Championship after what will be a gap of 16 years - with the prospect of a multi-million pound boost to the local economy as spectators flock in from all over the world.
Interest in the game, already considerably high at the time of The Open being hosted locally for the 11th and most recent previous time in 2012, the potential benefits to a local economy of the Open coming to town have rocketed.
The latest figure is said to be £280 million in total economic impact, including direct expenditure and marketing benefits.
Major benefits include record-breaking tourist crowds — 278,000 attended at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland last year—driving substantial spending in hospitality, transport, and local businesses.
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The Open at Royal Portrush generated £89m in direct, immediate economic benefit to Northern Ireland and The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2023 showed a 35 per cent increase in benefit for the Wirral compared to its previous staging there in 2014.
‘Absolutely delighted’
Fylde Council leader Cllr Karen Buckley said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome The Open back to Royal Lytham and St Annes.
“This is a world‑class event that brings enormous pride to our area, along with thousands of visitors and a real boost for local businesses.
“The Fylde coast shines on occasions like this, and we look forward to celebrating a truly memorable Championship with our residents, partners and guests from around the globe.
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“Just as importantly, hosting The Open leaves a lasting legacy — strengthening our visitor economy, inspiring future generations and showcasing Fylde as a destination of choice long after the final putt is sunk.”
The tournament’s return has also been welcomed by local traders.
‘Tremendous boost for the local community’
A spokesperson for the St Annes Enterprise Partnership said: “The return of the Open Golf Championship to Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club in 2028 is great news for our town.
“The town will be filled with spectators, staying in local accommodation, dining in our fantastic eateries and drinking in our fabulous pubs and bars.
“The worldwide coverage of this major event will promote the area and encourage more visitors, who once they've sampled what we have to offer will hopefully return time and again.
“We would also like to thank Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club for all their hard work in making this happen.”
Suzanne Taylor, who chairs the Lytham Business Partnership of traders, said: “Hosting the Open Golf Championship again will be a tremendous boost for the local economy.
“I expect we will see further investment and business initiatives in the town and it will be great publicity for us all.”
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Mark Wynn, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, said: "I am really pleased to support the return of The Open to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028.
"Hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events is a significant opportunity for Lancashire, bringing international attention to the county, boosting the local economy and showcasing the Fylde coast as a first class destination for major events.
"Later this year, we are also excited to be welcoming the 2026 AIG Women’s Open to the course, which will feature the world’s leading women golfers.
"We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with partners and the organisers to ensure Lancashire plays its full part in delivering a successful and memorable Championship for players, spectators and communities across the county.”
AIG Women’s Open
Improvement work was carried out at Royal Lytham and St Annes to allow the hosting of future championship tournaments and it is hosting the world’s best women’s golfers at the AIG Women’s Open from July 29 to August 2.
The remodelling works included a new practice ground and practice tee; building of a new tee on the 14th hole; alterations to reroute the 11th fairway; and works to improve the road system to provide access around the course.
Meanwhile, a key improvement to the local roads infrastructure since the last local hosting of The Open has been the opening in 2024 of Lytham St Annes Way, the direct link into Ansdell from the M55 motorway.
The 156th Open will be played at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 30 to August 6, 2028, later than usual Open timings to accommodate the golf competitions at that year’s Olympics.
Fans eager to register their interest in attending the tournament at Royal Lytham and St Annes can do so via TheOpen.com