Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
A demanding English links steeped in history
Royal Lytham & St Annes is links's most northerly English championship course, located just 10 miles from Royal Birkdale. Opened in 1897, it was originally designed by George Lowe and modified by Harry Colt between the wars.
England
- Number of holes: 18
- Architect: George Lowe
- Year: 1897
- Type: links
- PAR 72
- Slope 138
- Distance: 6675m
The course & its setting
Although no longer seaside, being located half a mile inland, the proximity to the sea is noticeable with Blackpool Tower visible in the distance. The course is surrounded by red brick houses and bordered by a railway line to the west. The Victorian clubhouse watches over the course, which is renowned for its exceptional maintenance and relatively flat terrain.
This course is extremely difficult, considered the second hardest on the British Open circuit after Carnoustie. It is famous for its numerous bunkers and natural and artificial sand dunes. The greens are firm, fast and very precise.
Services & Environment
Among the remarkable holes, the 1st hole is a unique par 3 on the Open circuit, 188 meters long. The 17th hole is famous for Bobby Jones's historic shot at the 1926 Open, with a commemorative plaque and the mashie he used on display in the clubhouse. The last hole, a par 4 of 379 meters, is defended by 15 bunkers.
Finally, this course does not correspond to the classic image of a links with large dunes or views of the sea, but it is recognized for its character, its honesty and its rich history.
