Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club was founded in 1886 and the present course was constructed in 1897; the club received its “Royal” title from King George V shortly before hosting its first Open Championship in 1926. It is one of the more regular venues in The Open rotation and has hosted the Championship eleven times, plus two Ryder Cups and repeated Women’s Open events.
The course is classic links terrain on the Fylde coast, sculpted dunes and firm turf with an unusually large number of bunkers - there are 167 bunkers lining fairways and protecting greens. That layout makes accuracy and course management more important than length, and the ground-game is a feature for both players and visiting walkers.
The clubhouse has a long history and celebrated its centenary in 1998; during major events the course attracts large spectator crowds and extensive temporary infrastructure. For ordinary days the site feels much quieter, and visitors come for history, views across the Irish Sea and to experience a top-level links setting.
- Links dunes and fairways: Walking the exposed dunes and firm fairways gives a clear sense of classic links terrain and how wind shapes play.
- The bunkers: The course’s 167 bunkers are a defining visual and strategic feature, testing shot accuracy at almost every hole.
- Clubhouse and memorabilia: The clubhouse houses the club’s history and tournament memorabilia, reflecting its long place in British golf.
- Sea and coastal views: Many holes look toward the Irish Sea, providing open coastal outlooks and strong breezes that affect play.
- Tournament atmosphere (when on): During Open or Women’s Open weeks the course becomes a stadium environment with grandstands, signage and large crowds.
Nearby Attractions to Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club#
Best Time to Visit Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club#
The Fylde coast has a temperate oceanic climate; summers are mild and relatively drier while autumn and winter are cooler and wetter. Choose season based on weather tolerance and whether you want to visit during quieter months or tournament weeks.
Weather & Climate near Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club#
Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (937 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 89 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 60 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 73 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 5° | 56 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 53 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 61 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 63 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 80 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 88 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 108 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 106 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 100 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club#
The club is located in Lytham St Annes on the Fylde coast close to the seaside town of Blackpool; the nearest larger rail and road hubs include Preston, Lancashire.
The nearest major international airport is Manchester Airport; by rail the local Lytham area is served by nearby stations with mainline connections at Preston and Blackpool, and the final stretch to the club is usually by taxi, local bus or a short drive from Lytham town centre.
Tips for Visiting Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club#
- Royal Lytham & St Annes is a private members club so public access and tee availability are limited; check visitor access or book through authorised channels before travelling.
- Wind and rain can change conditions quickly on the exposed coast - bring windproof and waterproof clothing.
- If you’re visiting outside tournament weeks expect a quieter experience but limited visitor facilities compared with tournament times.
- Respect local rules and signage on the course and grounds, particularly during events when large areas are restricted to ticket holders.
