Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club: Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Key Information

A top-20 regular in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings, Royal Lytham is one of the country's most prestigious championship courses.

Although surrounded by urbanisation, and some distance from the sea, Lytham is a true links, famous for its punishing pot bunkers and magnetic swathes of gorse. It's one of the finest links courses in England.

Originally designed by the club’s first professional George Lowe, the course has changed little since Harry Colt was employed to oversee alterations to the layout in 1919, although various respected architects have advised on subtle improvements. The routing has stood the test of time and consistently been proved to deliver one of the finest tests of golf in the British Isles.

Lytham is a course where accuracy is key, and placement from the tee essential. When the wind blows from the Irish Sea, the examination can be formidable.

Unusually, Lytham opens with a par 3. At 206 yards it’s an uncompromising beginning and, for the majority of golfers, bogey is a highly acceptable start.

On the front nine, the railway flanking the course provides a persistent threat. A sliced tee shot on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th or 8th holes could end up bouncing around on the Fylde rail line.

The run for home is particularly challenging and, as Adam Scott found out to his cost in The Open Championship of 2012, there can often be little, or no, respite until the final putt drops in front of the famous redbrick clubhouse.

The course has witnessed many great golfing performances over the years – Bobby Jones’ first Open win in 1926 and Tony Jacklin’s victory in 1969 spring to mind.

But the professional with perhaps the greatest affinity for the Lancashire links was swashbuckling Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. It was here, as a 22-year-old, he battled his way from fairways, bunkers and car parks to secure his first Major title. He returned nine years later and won again, producing a closing course record 65 to beat Nick Price by two.

The great golf writer Bernard Darwin described Royal Lytham & St Annes as, “A beast of a course, but a just beast.” His words may be over 80 years old but I think they hold very true. I think Royal Lytham delivers as fair a test of golf as any course in our ranking.

That the course has hosted The Open on no fewer than 11 occasions is a testament to this excellent test of golf, which was first laid out by the club’s original professional, George Lowe.

It also played host to the Ricoh Women’s British Open won by Georgia Hall.

Last time The Open was held here in 2012, Ernie Els won his second Claret Jug.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

Richard Healy

A tight testing course with less bunkers apparently, only 174 now, areas feeding them are extensive.

Green complexes are classic, with big run-offs and expert bunkering. Playing soon after the Lytham Trophy, the condition was exceptional, every aspect was gloriously presented.

From tee through to the green, the turf, maintenance and presentation was fantastic. Grass pathways are a lovely touch, giving a lovely flow and easy walk. A great welcome and a fascinating, modernised clubhouse. A joy to visit.

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Location

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Scorecard

Image 1 of 3

Best Courses Near Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club

ST ANNES OLD LINKS

With fast-running fairways and quick, tricky greens this is a traditional seaside course full of character. Even the names on the card conjure thoughts of the past: holes like Sailor's Locker, Granny Fisher's and Keepers Trap recall characters gone but not forgotten. When playing a round at St Annes you feel you should put away the metal wood and reach for a hickory-shafted brassie instead.

FAIRHAVEN

Today’s layout at Fairhaven, close to Royal Lytham & St Annes in Fylde, was designed by the prolific James Braid when the club migrated inland from its original seaside location in 1924. Even in very strong company in this part of the world, Fairhaven will usually feature on most lists of the best golf courses in Lancashire.

Best Places to Stay Near Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club

The Dormy House at Royal Lytham and St Annes GC - Book via the Royal Lytham club website
The ultimate in convenience if you're playing at Royal Lytham and St Annes. The Dormy House was built in 1911 and features 16 comfortable en-suite bedrooms. Roll out of bed and onto the first tee... Maybe via the clubhouse for breakfast.

The Grand Hotel Lytham St Annes - Book on the website
With an unrivalled position on the lively seafront and just moments from the both Lytham & St Annes town centres, The Grand Hotel is perfectly located - It's only a short walk to Royal Lytham and St Annes GC.

Royal Lytham and St Annes Gallery

Image 1 of 6

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 16
• 2023/24 - 14
• 2021/22 - 13
• 2019/20 – 12
• 2017/18 - 11
• 2015/16 - 9
• 2013/14 - 7
• 2011/12 - 10
• 2009/10 - 10

Frequently Asked Questions