Turnberry remains a topic of discussion for future Open venues, but any hosting plan hinges on feasibility studies and infrastructure considerations.

Critics argue about transport links and infrastructure, with some fans favoring Muirfield or Turnberry over Royal Lytham in terms of suitability for the Open.

Supporters praise Lytham’s beauty and its reputation as a tough test, underscoring the club’s historic prestige and connection to past Open champions.

Muirfield faces infrastructure challenges around practice facilities and competing scheduling with the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, potentially affecting its Open viability.

Turnberry’s candidacy has been affected by logistical issues, distance from airports, and ongoing protests linked to Donald Trump’s ownership.

While Turnberry is a preferred alternative for some, the venue will not host until local transport improvements are made, and discussions have included Eric Trump regarding Turnberry.

The R&A has announced that Royal Lytham & St. Annes will host the 2028 Open, marking the 156th edition and the first time since 2012 that the venue will stage the championship.

Lytham’s Open legacy is underscored by its storied rota history, with historic moments like Bobby Jones’s 1926 win and Seve Ballesteros’s victories in 1979 and 1988 highlighting its prestige.

The 2028 Open dates have been moved to August 3–6 to avoid conflicts with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic golf schedule, shifting from the traditional July slot.

Reporting for the piece was contributed by Gabby Herzig.

R&A officials say dialogue about Turnberry and Muirfield as potential future Open venues continues, though no decisions have been finalized.

Past leadership has emphasized focusing on the championship, players, and courses rather than external politics or media noise, which contributes to Turnberry not hosting again under current circumstances.