The general consensus is that Lytham is not the most aesthetically satisfying course, being located close to some suburban housing, but any shortfall in prettiness is certainly well compensated for by the remarkable clarity of the course's design. Granted Royal status by King George V in 1926, Lytham is renowned for its merciless difficulty, but many believe it to be the country's fairest test of championship links golf; when David Duval triumphed in 2001, commentators praised the quality of the design, as well as the outstanding set-up and condition, which proved to be a great leveller and rewarded the most consistent play.

Lovers of links golf are sure to be enchanted by the wind-swept landscape at Lytham, where the championship seaside layout is enough to rival the best that the English coastline has to offer, and is a certain highlight of any pilgrimage to this famous golfing stretch in Southport.

Royal Lytham and St Annes is ranked as one of the best courses in England

Royal Lytham & St Annes was the fourth English course to hold The Open after Royal St George's, Royal Liverpool and Royal Cinque Ports, the Championship has been held there a total of 11 times.

Royal Lytham and St Anne's Golf Club is situated 6 miles south of Blackpool, just a mile from St Annes-on-the-Sea train station.

Address: Links Gate, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, England, FY8 3LQ