Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, located on England’s Lancashire coast, is a prestigious venue steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1886, this esteemed links course has hosted The Open Championship multiple times, as well as other major tournaments, and is celebrated for its challenging layout that pushes even the finest golfers to their limits.

This par-70 course, spanning 7,118 yards, is known for its distinctive design and unique setting. Unlike most links courses, Royal Lytham is set slightly inland, bordered by houses and railway lines rather than expansive coastline. Yet, it retains all the classic characteristics of a traditional links, with rolling fairways, thick rough, and some of the most strategic bunkering in the world. In fact, its 200+ bunkers are among its most defining features, requiring precision on every shot.

The signature 18th hole is a daunting par-4 that has seen some of the sport’s most dramatic moments, testing players with narrow fairways and challenging bunkers all the way to the green. Another standout is the par-3 9th, where a narrow tee shot is flanked by sand and requires nerve and accuracy to reach the green.

Royal Lytham’s unpredictable weather and firm, fast greens add an extra layer of difficulty, making it a true test of skill, resilience, and strategy. Known for being more penal than scenic, this course rewards careful shot planning and punishes mistakes, especially under windy conditions.

Playing at Royal Lytham & St Annes is a unique experience, offering the chance to walk in the footsteps of champions while tackling one of the game’s most challenging layouts. For those who relish a demanding round of golf in a storied setting, Royal Lytham is an essential stop on England’s Golf Coast.