Royal Lytham & St Annes: Take On One of Golf's Greatest Championship Tests on SKYTRAK

When golfers talk about the toughest tests in The Open Championship rotation, Royal Lytham & St Annes is always part of the conversation. Located on England's northwest coast in Lancashire, this legendary venue has challenged the world's best for nearly a century with relentless pot bunkers, strategic shot-making, and one of the most demanding finishing stretches in championship golf.

Now, you can experience every ounce of that challenge from your own simulator. Whether you're preparing for your next competitive round or simply checking an iconic course off your bucket list, Royal Lytham & St Annes on SKYTRAK delivers one of the purest links golf experiences ever created.

A Historic Home of Champions

Founded in 1886 and granted "Royal" status in 1926, Royal Lytham & St Annes has hosted The Open Championship 11 times and will welcome the championship back again in 2028. Its list of champions reads like a history book, with legends including Bobby Jones, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman, David Duval, and Ernie Els all lifting the Claret Jug here.

Unlike many famous links courses, Royal Lytham begins with an unusual opening par 3 before immediately demanding precision over power. While it sits slightly inland compared to neighboring coastal courses, the firm turf, ever-present breeze, and strategic design make it every bit a true championship links experience.

A Course Defined by Bunkers

If there's one feature that defines Royal Lytham, it's the bunkers.

The course contains approximately 174 deep pot bunkers, more than almost any championship venue in the world. They're not simply hazards, they're strategic obstacles carefully positioned to dictate every club selection from tee to green. Finding one often means your only realistic option is to chip back into play.

Rather than overpowering the course, success comes from discipline, smart positioning, and controlling your ball flight. Even PGA Tour professionals often leave the driver in the bag on holes where accuracy is worth far more than distance.

Three Holes You Need to Play

Hole 1: Par 3

Royal Lytham makes an unforgettable first impression by opening with a par 3, something virtually unheard of for an Open Championship venue. While it appears straightforward on the scorecard, bunkers completely surround the green, immediately introducing players to the precision required throughout the round. A missed tee shot here is an early reminder that every swing matters.

Hole 6: "The Maiden"

Often considered one of England's finest par 3s, the 6th demands an accurate iron shot over rugged links terrain to a heavily protected green. Wind direction completely changes club selection, making it one of the course's most memorable one-shot holes.

Hole 18

One of golf's great finishing holes, the 18th has crowned champions for generations. The approach into the clubhouse is packed with pressure, especially after navigating Royal Lytham's famously demanding closing stretch. Countless Open Championships have been decided with one final approach shot into this iconic green.

Moments That Made History

Royal Lytham has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in major championship golf.

In 1926, Bobby Jones captured his first Open Championship after recovering from a sandy lie on the 17th before claiming victory, continuing one of the greatest major careers the game has ever seen.

In 1969, Tony Jacklin became the first British golfer in nearly two decades to win The Open, highlighted by his towering drive on the 18th that prompted commentator Henry Longhurst's famous call: "Oh, what a corker!"

Perhaps the most famous shot came in 1979, when Seve Ballesteros blasted his drive into a spectator car park on the 16th hole. After receiving a free drop, he hit a remarkable recovery, made birdie, and went on to win his first Open Championship, a moment forever linked with Royal Lytham and one of golf's greatest escape acts.

More recently, Ernie Els claimed the 2012 Open after Adam Scott's heartbreaking late collapse, adding yet another dramatic chapter to the club's championship history.

Experience Every Shot with SKYTRAK

Royal Lytham & St Annes rewards thoughtful course management unlike almost anywhere else in golf. Every bunker placement, every approach angle, and every gust of wind forces you to think several shots ahead.

On SKYTRAK, you'll experience the same strategic challenge that has tested generations of major champions. Practice your shot shaping, sharpen your course management, and see if you can avoid the infamous pot bunkers that have ruined so many championship dreams.

The world's best have battled Royal Lytham for nearly 100 years.

Now it's your turn. Try it today with the Core: Foresight or Elite SKYTRAK membership.