Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Key Information
A tough strategic links test with a selection of highly memorable holes and a fine history. There’s an interesting juxtaposition of nature and urbanity to be seen on the fairways. Trouble lurks from start to finish but particularly on the exceptional front nine which features a run of superb, strategic holes.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL LYTHAM AND ST ANNES
– It's a superb test of mental and physical golfing prowess
– An unusual links, set back from the sea, an interesting location.
– Characterful and packed with history, brilliant old clubhouse
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 14
Although surrounded by urbanisation, and some distance from the sea, Lytham is a true links, famous for its punishing pot bunkers and magnetic swathes of gorse. It's one of the finest links courses in England.
Although surrounded by urbanisation, and some distance from the sea, Lytham is a true links, famous for its punishing pot bunkers and magnetic swathes of gorse.
Originally designed by the club’s first professional George Lowe, the course has changed little since Harry Colt was employed to oversee alterations to the layout in 1919, although various respected architects have advised on subtle improvements. The routing has stood the test of time and consistently been proved to deliver one of the finest tests of golf in the British Isles.
Lytham is a course where accuracy is key, and placement from the tee essential. When the wind blows from the Irish Sea, the examination can be formidable.
Unusually, Lytham opens with a par 3. At 206 yards it’s an uncompromising beginning and, for the majority of golfers, bogey is a highly acceptable start.
On the front nine, the railway flanking the course provides a persistent threat. A sliced tee shot on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th or 8th holes could end up bouncing around on the Fylde rail line.
The run for home is particularly challenging and, as Adam Scott found out to his cost in The Open Championship of 2012, there can often be little, or no, respite until the final putt drops in front of the famous redbrick clubhouse.
The course has witnessed many great golfing performances over the years – Bobby Jones’ first Open win in 1926 and Tony Jacklin’s victory in 1969 spring to mind.
But the professional with perhaps the greatest affinity for the Lancashire links was swashbuckling Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. It was here, as a 22-year-old, he battled his way from fairways, bunkers and car parks to secure his first Major title. He returned nine years later and won again, producing a closing course record 65 to beat Nick Price by two.
The great golf writer Bernard Darwin described Royal Lytham & St Annes as, “A beast of a course, but a just beast.” His words may be over 80 years old but they hold true.
That the course has hosted The Open on no fewer than 11 occasions is a testament to this excellent test of golf, which was first laid out by the club’s original professional, George Lowe.
It also played host to the Ricoh Women’s British Open won by Georgia Hall.
Last time The Open was held here in 2012, Ernie Els won his second Claret Jug.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
Arguably one of the toughest tests on the Open Rota. I personally love Royal Lytham. But landlocked and lacking the topography of a Birkdale or Portrush, one has to look harder to see the beauty. I have never, and will never, be rushing away from Royal Lytham!
A very challenging but also a very fair course where good strategy and accurate play is essential. There's a lovely variety of holes and I found it easy to visualize the course and each hole after I had played it, always a good sign. I love the greens on this course. Most are fair with subtle undulations, but some, the 3rd for example with its upturned saucer green with run-offs on each side are rather tricky!
VIDEO: The Average Golfer Visits Royal Lytham and St Annes -
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Location
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Green Fees
Contact Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club via their website to book
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Scorecard
Best Courses Near Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club
Best Places to Stay Near Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club
The Dormy House at Royal Lytham and St Annes GC - Book via the Royal Lytham club website
The ultimate in convenience if you're playing at Royal Lytham and St Annes. The Dormy House was built in 1911 and features 16 comfortable en-suite bedrooms. Roll out of bed and onto the first tee... Maybe via the clubhouse for breakfast.
The Grand Hotel Lytham St Annes - Book on the website
With an unrivalled position on the lively seafront and just moments from the both Lytham & St Annes town centres, The Grand Hotel is perfectly located - It's only a short walk to Royal Lytham and St Annes GC.
Royal Lytham and St Annes Gallery
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2023/24 - 14
- 2021/22 - 13
- 2019/20 – 12
- 2017/18 - 11
- 2015/16 - 9
- 2013/14 - 7
- 2011/12 - 10
- 2009/10 - 10
Frequently Asked Questions
When Was the Open last held at Royal Lytham?
The Open Championship was last contested at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club in 2012. Adam Scott looked to be on his way to victory - four shots clear with four holes to play. But the Australian bogeyed each of those final four. Ernie Els had birdied the last and snuck it by a shot. It was the 11th Open Championship to be contested at Royal Lytham.
Who Designed Royal Lytham?
The first club professional George Lowe was responsible for the original layout in 1897 and the great Harry Colt then played a significant role in shaping the layout as it plays now - he was employed in 1919. More recently MacKenzie and Ebert have done work to make improvements to the course.
