Okay, golfers, brace yourselves! A real bombshell has dropped and is already sparking conversation on the fairways: The British Open is returning to Royal Lytham and St Annes in 2028! The R&A announced this on Monday. And yes, you read that right: Donald Trump's Turnberry course has been overlooked once again.
The last time this major championship graced the legendary links course near Blackpool in northwest England was in 2012. It's certainly been quiet for quite a while!
Mark Darbon, CEO of the R&A, summed it up perfectly: "Royal Lytham and St Annes is renowned as one of the finest links courses in the world. It has delivered countless golf moments for the history books since the legendary Bobby Jones claimed the first Open victory there in 1926." Pretty impressive, considering who has teed off there! This historic venue is an absolute magnet for fans and is guaranteed to be an adrenaline rush for the 156th British Open. Who's excited to be there in 2028?
Speaking of the 156th British Open: It will actually take place a bit later than usual, from August 3rd to 6th. The reason? The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are a factor. Priorities, people, priorities!
But before we pivot to 2028: This year, meaning 2026, the action is at Royal Birkdale. Organizers expect over 300,000 spectators there – an absolute record number! And in 2027, it's fittingly off to St Andrews.
Back to Turnberry and the perennial topic: Darbon let it be known that the R&A still has Turnberry on their radar. But, and we're familiar with that big 'but,' there are "logistical challenges" off the course. Ah, those beloved logistical challenges...
The Scottish course, which Trump bought in 2014, hasn't hosted the Open since 2009. And that's despite the Open being the only major championship outside the USA! Darbon summarized: "Turnberry is still on our shortlist – we really like the golf course. But we are aware that there are logistical hurdles, particularly off the course, regarding road, rail, and accommodation infrastructure." Clearly, an event of this size simply needs the perfect stage. Everything needs to be perfect so that we golfers can experience an amazing week.
