The course is set within an attractive Victorian housing estate and occupies a small piece of land with large, smart red brick houses in plain view, with a railway line close by. It might be a long way from the coast, but the respected 1930s golf writer Bernard Darwin said that no one could fail to be impressed by its difficulties. In his opinion it sets a golfer 'as ruthless as an examination' as any course - a well-deserved accolade.
There are 206 bunkers here, and while it isn't the longest course on earth, careful play and accurate shots are a must if you want to achieve a decent score. If challenges are your thing, Lytham delivers. As Ryder Cup captain Mark James once said, “Everyone who knows Lytham knew that it would be the one Course where Tiger Woods would not have a big advantage because of the distance he hits, as there are relatively few holes where you can carry the trouble. Tiger could not tame it". Only Carnoustie is tougher.
About Royal Lytham & St Annes - Brief history
- The most northerly of England's championship links courses
- Founded in 1886, designed by George Lowe
- The current course was created in 1897, remodelled by Harry Colt, Herbert Fowler and Tom Simpson, later modified again by C K Cotton
- The Clubhouse was opened in 1898
- Given Royal status in 1926
- One of the world's finest links courses
- Host to eleven Open Championships
- Hosted two Ryder Cups
- Hosted the Seniors Open Championships
- Venue of the Curtis Cup
- Host to three Weetabix Ladies’ British Opens
- Host to the Lytham Trophy
- Hosted the Walker Cup in 2015
Royal Lytham & St Annes Scorecard
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Featured hole – Hole 17
Play Royal Lytham & St Annes and the 17th hole will prove a worthy adversity. The 17th is the toughest by a mile and comes with a whole lot of history. A 467-yard Par-4, it's where the amateur Bobby Jones won the 1926 Open by two extraordinary shots – a plaque close by commemorates the event. The landing area from the tee is intimidatingly small, and the fairway very well bunkered. The hole veers left towards an open green sheltered by bunkers on both sides.
Known for legendary golf
Royal Lytham is probably best known for a string of extraordinary games played there over the decades. There have been just twenty playoffs in the history of the Open Championship, two of which took place here, both over 36 holes. In 1958, Peter Thomson beat Dave Thomas by four shots 139 to 143 to win his 4th Open in five years, and Bob Charles beat Phil Rodgers by eight shots 140 to 148 in '63. Then there was Sir Bob Charles' Open Championship victory in 1963, the first major championship triumph by a left-handed player. It would be 40 years until another left-handed player won, this time Mike Weir in the 2003 Masters, also in a playoff. And these amazing games are just the tip of a very impressive iceberg.
Royal Lytham & St Annes golf vacations
Are you looking for a top class Royal Lytham & St Annes golf experience? At The Experience St Andrews, our golf vacation packages are something you will remember for the rest of your life, and fully customisable to your exact requirements. To find out more about Royal Lytham & St Annes golf vacations, please do get in touch.
Featured Royal Lytham & St Annes golf package:
North West England 7 Night Program – Nestled between the stunning Lake District to the North and Manchester to the south is an area of England boasting a fabulous golfing experience. This package features 6 incredible rounds of golf and 7 nights’ accommodation where you’ll enjoy a daily, sumptuous breakfast. Airport transfers, as well as transfers to and from the golf courses themselves are of course included. This package is fully customisable so you can have the golf holiday experience of your dreams, so please do get in touch.