A true test of links golf awaits as Royal Lytham & St Annes prepares to host the AIG Women’s Open.
Set on the Lancashire coast, this iconic championship venue has a proud history of staging some of the biggest moments in the game – and in 2026 it will provide the ultimate challenge for the world’s best female golfers.
A course steeped in history
Founded in 1886, Royal Lytham & St Annes is one of the most respected courses in the UK and has welcomed countless major championships over the years. Its distinctive layout has tested generations of golfing greats, rewarding precision, creativity and resilience.
Unlike many traditional links courses, Lytham does not sit directly among sweeping dunes. Instead, the course winds through a landscape of towering dunes and 174 challenging bunkers, creating a unique test where accuracy off the tee and strategic decision-making are essential.
A championship challenge
Royal Lytham & St Annes is renowned for its demanding layout, with its famous bunkers among the most recognisable hazards in golf. They are strategically placed throughout the course, punishing anything less than pinpoint accuracy and forcing players to carefully plot their way around the links.
The course’s fast-running fairways, undulating greens and ever-changing coastal conditions mean players must adapt quickly. Wind can transform the challenge from one day to the next, making club selection and course management crucial.
Who will be playing?
A world-class field will descend on Royal Lytham & St Annes as the AIG Women’s Open celebrates its 50th staging, with the game’s biggest names battling for one of golf’s most prestigious titles.
Among the headline contenders will be England’s own stars, including Georgia Hall, who will look to recreate her unforgettable 2018 triumph at the same venue, and Charley Hull, who continues her pursuit of a maiden major championship.
The home challenge will also feature some of England’s brightest emerging talents, with players such as Lottie Woad aiming to make their mark on the biggest stage. Alongside them, the field will include many of the world’s leading golfers, including world No.1 Nelly Korda, defending champion Miyu Yamashita, Lydia Ko, and a host of major champions from across the globe.
With 12 English players set to represent the Rose, fans will be hoping for another memorable chapter in the AIG Women’s Open’s rich history at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
What makes Lytham special?
From its iconic clubhouse to its championship pedigree, Royal Lytham & St Annes represents everything that makes links golf unique. It is a course where patience is rewarded, mistakes are punished and every shot matters.
As the AIG Women’s Open returns to this legendary venue, players will face one of the toughest and most historic tests in the sport – with the chance to create their own piece of golfing history.
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