Trump Misses Out on The Open as Royal Lytham Confirmed as 2028 Championship Venue

The R&A has confirmed Royal Lytham & St Annes will host The Open Championship in 2028, marking a return to the famous Lancashire links course for the first time since 2001. The announcement comes alongside news that Tiger Woods will not compete in this summer's event, raising questions about his continued competitive future.

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Royal Lytham has a storied history in championship golf, having hosted 11 Open Championships and produced memorable moments including Seve Ballesteros's dominant 1979 victory. The course's challenging bunkers and windswept layout have traditionally favored creative shot-makers who can adapt to unpredictable conditions.

Woods, who has not played a full tournament schedule since undergoing additional ankle surgery, has been omitted from early entry lists for Royal Troon. The 48-year-old has been coy about his retirement timeline but insiders suggest his team is being cautious about any potential return to competitive golf.

The 2028 venue announcement was made during a ceremony attended by R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, who emphasized the importance of maintaining traditional Open venues while also rotating new locations into the schedule. Darbon highlighted Royal Lytham's reputation for producing exciting championships and its importance to the historical fabric of the tournament.

Among those confirmed to compete at Royal Troon this July are world number one Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Shane Lowry, and a strong contingent of European Tour players including Rory McIlroy, who continues his pursuit of a second Open title. The Northern Irishman has spoken openly about his desire to add more major championships to his collection.

Ticket applications for the 2028 Championship at Royal Lytham are expected to open next year, with the R&A promising a fan-friendly pricing structure similar to recent editions. Hospitality packages are already generating significant interest from corporate clients, according to officials.