The R&A has announced that Royal Lytham & St Annes will host The Open in 2028, leaving out Trump Turnberry and Muirfield in the latest rotation. The decision continues a trend of focusing on historic venues with proven infrastructure, while Turnberry's return remains uncertain due to logistical challenges and political considerations.
Turnberry last hosted The Open in 2009, five years before Donald Trump purchased the resort. Muirfield, long a staple of the championship, has not hosted since 2013. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon acknowledged“ongoing dialogue” with both courses but cited “big logistical issues” at Turnberry. Darbon also noted that the UK government has previously discussed Turnberry's candidacy with the R&A.
Royal Lytham, located near Blackpool, will host its 12th Open. The venue last staged the tournament in 2012, when Ernie Els claimed the Claret Jug. The course has undergone significant renovations, including a redesigned par-five 11th hole and improved internal roads, to meet modern championship standards. These changes will be tested later this year when Lytham hosts the AIG Women's Open.
The 2028 Open will be played from 3-6 August, delayed from its traditional July slot to avoid conflict with the Los Angeles Olympics golf competitions. Darbon praised Lytham as “one of golf's most cherished and historic venues.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s son Eric had expressed hope that his father’s course would get the nod, saying last year that Trump “deserves” the honor. However, Trump’s political future—he may be out of office by 2028—along with security and infrastructure concerns have complicated the bid. Muirfield’s exclusion follows its controversial decision to maintain a male-only membership policy, which was later reversed, but the damage to its reputation may have influenced the R&A's choice.