Royal Lytham & St Annes and Fairhaven welcome the Open and AIG Women’s Open trophies
A major year for golf in the North West has seen the announcement of an initiative to inspire the next generation of young golfers.
The R&A, the Golf Foundation, England Golf and the PGA have launched the ‘Road To The Opens’ scheme.
Representatives from the four organisations were joined at Royal Lytham & St Annes by junior golfers from the club, who stood alongside the Claret Jug and the AIG Women’s Open trophy.
This year sees Royal Lytham & St Annes host the 50th playing of the AIG Women’s Open from July 29-August 2, with Royal Birkdale having staged the 154th Open from July 12-19.
The ‘Road to The Opens’ initiative is designed to connect the excitement of both major championships with grassroots opportunities across schools, golf clubs and communities, creating important pathways for young people to experience and continue in the sport.
It aims to reach more than 3,500 young people in the local area across five stages of the ‘Junior Journey’, from picking up a club for the first time through to playing fun and competitive golf at a club or facility.
While this is the first time the ‘Road To The Opens’ will celebrate both championships together, the Golf Foundation and the R&A have previously delivered similar initiatives across Open venue host regions.
Since its introduction, the scheme has delivered golf experiences in schools, clubs and community settings, as well as training teachers to incorporate golf in ongoing activities.
It has also created first opportunities for young people to try golf in engaging, accessible ways and supported local venues to develop sustainable junior activity following the Open.
As part of the ‘Road To The Opens’ in 2026, the organisations will be working together to deliver a wide-ranging programme of activity designed to introduce more young people to golf and support ongoing participation.
This will include ‘Trophy Tour visits’ to primary and secondary schools, golf clubs and community venues, with golf introductory sessions as well as special projects focusing on careers in golf opportunities for young people.
The Open and Women’s Open trophies have already visited Fairhaven, where juniors took part in chipping and putting competitions last Thursday with the winners taking away Easter eggs, The Open towels and AIG caps.
“With both The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and the 50th staging of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, we have a unique opportunity to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to try golf and take up the sport through the opportunities being provided by the ‘Road To The Opens’ initiative,” said Kevin Barker, the R&A’s director of golf development – GB&I and Africa.
“Both championships are followed by millions of fans each year, providing a powerful platform to grow interest in the sport, and we want to harness that momentum across the region in the lead up to both championships.
“While the staging of the Open and the AIG Women’s Open will deliver significant economic benefits, we are equally focused on creating a lasting legacy for local communities through increased participation and by highlighting the many social, health and wellbeing benefits that golf can provide.”