Donald Trump’s Turnberry Golf Club has missed out on hosting the 2028 Open Championship, with Royal Lytham & St Annes given the honours.
Scheduled for August 3-6, 2028, the Lancashire course will welcome golf’s oldest major for the first time in 16 years, following Ernie Els’ triumph there in 2012 when the South African claimed his second Claret Jug.
Els’ victory placed him among an elite group of winners at Royal Lytham, a list featuring legends such as Bobby Jones, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin and Sir Bob Charles.
The championship will shift to August that year to prevent any scheduling conflict with the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Donald Trump’s Turnberry Golf Club has missed out as Royal Lytham and St Annes
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Trump’s Turnberry Golf Club has been seeking a spot on The Open rotation for several years.
The Scottish course, which has long sought inclusion on The Open rota, remains excluded from upcoming hosting duties due to numerous logistical issues.
Muirfield faces an even longer wait, with the East Lothian club unlikely to stage the championship before 2031 at the earliest.
Muirfield last welcomed The Open in 2013, when Phil Mickelson secured a three-shot victory to lift the Claret Jug.
Royal Lytham & St Annes will host the 2028 Open Championship
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Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Royal Lytham & St Annes is widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses and has witnessed many great championship moments since The Open was first played there in 1926 when the legendary Bobby Jones won.
“This is one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues, and The Open’s return to these famous links will spark huge interest among fans to be part of one of the world’s great sporting events and celebrate the rich traditions of golf’s original Championship.”
Tim Walker, chairman of council at Royal Lytham & St Annes, expressed the club’s pride in being selected.
Royal Lytham & St Annes is ‘widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses’
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He said: “We are honoured to be chosen as the host venue for The 156th Open in 2028.
“The club has a long and successful association with The Open, and we take great pride in our place within the Championship’s history.
“It is fitting that this announcement comes as we mark 100 years since Bobby Jones’ victory here in 1926 and the granting of our Royal status.
Scottie Scheffler claimed the 153rd Open
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“We look forward to welcoming the world’s leading players, together with spectators and audiences from across the globe, to our links on England’s golf coast.”
Before Royal Lytham’s turn, Royal Birkdale will stage this year’s championship from July 16 to 19, with St Andrews hosting in 2027.
Scottie Scheffler claimed the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in 2025, securing his maiden Claret Jug and fourth major title.