The Open Championship: Why Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Lytham & St Annes Are Missing in Action

The Open Championship, one of golf’s four major tournaments, is a prestigious event with a storied history. While many venues have hosted this illustrious competition, a few standout courses—Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Lytham & St Annes—have not featured since 2013. This article explores the reasons behind their absence, the historical significance of these venues, and the likelihood of their future inclusion in The Open rota.

A Brief History of Three Classic Courses

Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Lytham & St Annes are not just any golf courses; they have collectively hosted 31 Opens, with Muirfield leading the charge with 16 events. Golf enthusiasts remember the legendary moments at these venues, including Tom Watson’s "Duel in the Sun" at Turnberry in 1977, where he edged out Jack Nicklaus. Royal Lytham has witnessed iconic victories featuring Bobby Jones and Seve Ballesteros, further solidifying its place in golf lore.

The Current Status of The Open Rota

Despite their historical significance, the absence of these famous courses from the Open rota raises questions. The last time Muirfield hosted the event was in 2013, while Turnberry hasn’t seen action since 2009 and Royal Lytham last hosted it in 2012. As The Open continues to evolve and attract larger crowds—278,000 people attended the tournament at Royal Portrush in 2019—logistical challenges and other issues appear to have sidelined these esteemed locations.

Turnberry: The Icon with Controversial Ownership

Turnberry’s stunning Ailsa course has hosted four Opens with unforgettable moments. However, the venue has faced significant scrutiny since the ownership changed to Donald Trump. His association with the property has presented challenges for the R&A, particularly regarding the tournament’s integrity.

R&A CEO Martin Slumbers expressed concerns about maintaining the championship’s reputation, emphasizing the need for golf to be the sole focus during such a historic event. Despite Trump’s enthusiasm for bringing The Open back, logistical issues persist. The overwhelming attendance and the locale’s infrastructure have raised red flags concerning accommodation and transport capabilities.

The Future of Turnberry in The Open

While R&A officials have acknowledged the desire to return to Trump Turnberry, the complexities surrounding infrastructure remain a hurdle. With other venues producing record attendances, questions arise about whether Turnberry can sufficiently manage a larger influx of fans. Although optimistic about its chances, the timeline for a potential return could remain ambiguous.

Muirfield: A Historic Course Facing Modern Challenges

Muirfield, known as one of the finest links courses in the world, has a rich competitive history but has not held The Open since the controversy that stemmed from its member policies. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers voted against allowing women members in 2016, leading to a temporary removal from the Open rotation, despite its illustrious past.

Eventually, policies changed, allowing women to join; however, Muirfield has yet to see The Open return. The staging of the AIG Women’s Open in 2022 served as a positive statement for its commitment to diversity in golf, but the timeline for The Open’s return remains uncertain. With the next few Opens already scheduled through 2028, Muirfield seems to be lingering on the sidelines.

Logistical Complications at Muirfield

Muirfield’s logistical challenges are akin to those faced by Turnberry. Proximity to the Renaissance Club, which hosts the Scottish Open, adds complexity to scheduling conflicts. While both Martin Slumbers and R&A officials have expressed interest in renewing Muirfield’s position on the rota, the logistics of hosting such a massive event remain a decisive factor in any future decision.

Royal Lytham & St Annes: More Than Just a Tight Fit

Royal Lytham & St Annes is another course steeped in history. With seven Open Championships staged here, it has given rise to some unforgettable moments in the game, including Seve Ballesteros’ iconic performances. However, the course faces unique challenges that complicate its chances of being included in The Open rota again.

The venue’s physical limitations pose significant hurdles for accommodating the growing demands of the tournament, including fan attendance and logistical needs. With significant space constraints that restrict expansions like a driving range or large TV compounds, the R&A finds itself facing a tough decision on Lytham’s future as a host.

Potential for the Future at Lytham

While Lytham will host the AIG Women’s Open in 2026, the return of The Open appears distant. The course’s geographical limitations heavily influence planning and infrastructural considerations. As the R&A continues its commitment to excellence in hosting major championships, Royal Lytham may, unfortunately, find itself excluded from future Open considerations.

The Impact of Growing Demand

As golf has become ever-more popular, the demand for larger venues capable of accommodating record crowds has substantially increased. The evolution of The Open into a mega-event draws attention not only from players but also from fans seeking exclusive experiences. Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Lytham, with their limitations, may increasingly become obsolete as larger venues take the stage.

Golf’s Future Landscape

Despite their history and the wonderful moments they have provided, the landscape of golf is continually changing. As we push forward into an era where fan experience, logistics, and capacity take precedence, older venues, however grand, may find themselves outpaced by larger, more accommodating locations.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Glimpse Ahead

While the future remains unclear for Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Lytham & St Annes, their storied pasts ensure they will always hold a place in the hearts of golf fans. The desire for these iconic venues to return to The Open rota is palpable, but it hinges on overcoming significant logistical hurdles and aligning with the evolving demands of major golf championships.

As the R&A continues its negotiations and planning, there remains hope that these outstanding courses can once again bear witness to golf’s most coveted prize, the Claret Jug, making triumphant returns to their fairways in the coming years.