Clubhouse & Dormy House
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Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

4.6
·338 reviews·Lytham St Annes, United Kingdom

A legendary championship links course steeped in history, offering a true test of golf with its iconic pot bunkers and challenging coastal winds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Firm fairways, fast greens

CrowdHigh
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Clubhouse & Dormy House

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Best Time

Summer mornings

Firm fairways, fast greens

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary championship links course steeped in history, offering a true test of golf with its iconic pot bunkers and challenging coastal winds.

4.6
(338 reviews)

"Playing here means walking history; it's an unforgettable experience for any serious golfer."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Visitor tee times are limited and book up fast. Plan your trip months in advance for this championship course!

👔 Clubhouse Dress Code

No shorts allowed in the clubhouse. Check the club's policy before your visit to avoid any issues.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Infamous Pot Bunkers

The Infamous Pot Bunkers

Throughout the course

These classic, deep pot bunkers are a signature of this challenging links course. They demand respect and precise shot-making.

Championship Links Challenge

Championship Links Challenge

The entire course

Experience a true test of golf with firm, fast fairways and unpredictable winds. Every hole echoes with golfing history.

Historic Clubhouse

Historic Clubhouse

Clubhouse

Immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic venue. The clubhouse offers a welcoming atmosphere and a glimpse into golfing heritage.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tee Time Well in Advance

Royal Lytham & St Annes is a championship course, so tee times, especially for visitors, are highly sought after. Book months ahead, particularly if you're planning a summer visit or during major tournament periods. Expect premium pricing for this iconic links experience.

Understand the Dress Code

While the course itself is forgiving, the clubhouse has a dress code. No shorts are allowed inside. Familiarize yourself with the club's attire policy before your visit to ensure a smooth experience, as noted by recent visitors.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Firm fairways, fast greens
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter months
Why
Less rough, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We ran out of DRINKS for Lytham Festival! 😳 #spudbros #bts #potato #food
@btsspudbros
19.9K likes • 402.1K views

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Visitor tee times are limited and book up fast. Plan your trip months in advance for this championship course! Reddit

👔 Clubhouse Dress Code

No shorts allowed in the clubhouse. Check the club's policy before your visit to avoid any issues. Reddit

A master of the elements. An improvisor for the ages. Gary Player was a cut above the rest as he became Champion Golfer for a third time at Royal Lytham in 1974.
@theopen
5.6K likes • 141.8K views
In 2026 Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club will celebrate the centenary of hosting @theopen for the first time. 100 years on from not only our first Open Championship, but also the first Championship win of the great Bobby Jones, players still try to emulate the special moments witnessed on our historic links. We look forward to sharing more of these special moments and the celebrations as we hea...
royallythamgolf
88 likes • 3.4K views

💨 Prepare for Wind

Links golf means wind! Expect changeable conditions that will significantly impact your club selection. Reddit

💰 It's Pricey, But Worth It

Playing a championship course comes with a high price tag, but the experience is unforgettable. Reddit

Comment “England” and we’ll send you more information on how we can book this trip for you hassle-free. ✈️ With easy access to Liverpool and beyond, this package features the legendary 3 Royals—Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Lytham & St Annes—plus rounds at Hillside, Formby, and Wallasey. 🔥 This is a custom, bespoke trip that can be tailored to your group’s needs. Add more rounds, ex...
beyondgolftours
0 likes • 62.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tee Times Early

Visitor tee times are limited and book up fast. Plan your trip months in advance for this championship course! Reddit

👔 Clubhouse Dress Code

No shorts allowed in the clubhouse. Check the club's policy before your visit to avoid any issues. Reddit

💨 Prepare for Wind

Links golf means wind! Expect changeable conditions that will significantly impact your club selection. Reddit

💰 It's Pricey, But Worth It

Playing a championship course comes with a high price tag, but the experience is unforgettable. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Pro Shop

Even if you don't play, the pro shop offers souvenirs and a chance to see the club's offerings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(338 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the historic championship links experience at Royal Lytham & St Annes, praising its challenging layout and rich heritage. While the cost is high and the clubhouse dress code strict, the opportunity to play on such an iconic course is considered unforgettable by many. The welcoming staff and the unique character of the course are frequently highlighted positives.

"Anyone can go to the pro shop. Lots of Souvenirs to share with friends. Didn’t play the course. It was an unexpected stop that day. Its buildings are unique but are not as grand as it looks on pics. It’s 3 separate buildings. You have to go out to the driving range to see it entirely. Hard location to find. It is at a dead end in a neighborhood."

Lydia Keefer

"Classic links course littered with the famous and unforgiving pot bunkers. Played in the summer and the fairways were firm and fast. Greens were softer than the other links courses we have played this week. Still need to club down at least half and iron to account for the bounce. The Clubhouse is replete with history, make sure to check it out. Expensive, but worth it."

Brad Moffett

"Absolutely amazing experience, we played Monday afternoon of Open week. The staff (Elaine in booking, Phil in the clubhouse particularly) were warm and welcoming. We actually read the information they sent ahead of time so we knew to get the full experience we couldn’t wear shorts in the clubhouse. We asked about the first tee from the tips and he walked us over there, gave a little history lesson and we played from there.
I was so happy that I hit the ball the best I had in years, certainly worth a visit."

John McClelland

What People Like

Championship links challenge
Historic course
Welcoming staff

What People Dislike

Expensive green fees
Strict clubhouse dress code

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The club is located at a dead end in a neighborhood, making it a bit tricky to find. Use GPS and follow signs for the golf club. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might require further connections from nearby towns like Blackpool or Preston.

Some visitors have noted it can be a hard location to find as it's situated in a residential area. It's recommended to use a reliable GPS or mapping service and look for specific signage for the club. Reddit

The nearest major train station is in Blackpool, from where you can take a taxi or local bus service to St Annes. Lytham train station is also nearby, but may require a short taxi ride to the course.

Yes, you can visit the pro shop which is located within the clubhouse complex and offers souvenirs. However, access to other parts of the clubhouse might be restricted to members and playing guests. Reddit

There is parking available at the club for visitors and members. It can get busy during peak times or events, so arriving early is advisable.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Playing this championship course is expensive, with visitor green fees being premium. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and day of the week. It's best to check the official club website for the most up-to-date pricing. Reddit

Absolutely. Tee times for visitors are essential and must be booked well in advance, often months ahead, especially for peak season play. Reddit

The club's operational hours, including the pro shop and clubhouse, generally align with daylight hours for golf. It's advisable to confirm specific opening times for the pro shop or clubhouse facilities when booking your tee time.

While the course itself is more relaxed, the clubhouse has a strict dress code. Shorts are not permitted inside the clubhouse. Golf attire is expected on the course.

Discounts are rare for visitors on this championship course. Some packages or off-season rates might be available, but generally, expect to pay the full visitor green fee. Playing as a guest of a member offers a different cost structure. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

It's a classic links course renowned for its challenging pot bunkers and undulating fairways. The wind is a significant factor, making it a true test of golf. Fairways can be firm and fast, especially in summer. Reddit

Caddies are typically available but must be booked in advance. Given the challenging nature of the course and the wind, a caddie can be invaluable for navigating the holes effectively.

This historic club has hosted numerous Open Championships and other major tournaments. Playing here means walking in the footsteps of golfing legends, adding a unique historical dimension to the experience. Reddit

Facilities include a pro shop, practice areas (driving range), locker rooms, and a clubhouse with dining and bar services. The clubhouse itself is steeped in history. Reddit

While it's a championship course, beginners can play, but it will be a very challenging experience. The pot bunkers and wind require a good level of skill. It's more suited to experienced golfers looking for a significant test. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The clubhouse offers food and beverages, typically serving classic club fare. Expect good quality food, beer, and service, as noted by visitors. Reddit

Access to the main dining areas of the clubhouse might be restricted to members and playing guests. However, the pro shop area might offer some refreshments, or you could inquire about bar access.

Yes, the town of St Annes-on-Sea offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs within a short drive or taxi ride from the golf club, providing more dining choices.

As expected from a prestigious golf club, prices for food and drinks are on the higher side, reflecting the quality and location. Reddit

For larger groups or during peak times, making a reservation for dining in the clubhouse is recommended. For casual drinks or snacks, it might not be necessary.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the iconic pot bunkers, the sweeping fairways against the coastal backdrop, and the historic clubhouse. The unique architecture of the three separate buildings, especially when viewed from the driving range, also makes for interesting shots. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos while playing the course. However, be mindful of other players and the pace of play. The clubhouse also offers opportunities for historical photos. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. Professional or commercial photography might require special permission from the club. Always be respectful of the club's rules and other guests.

Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) can provide beautiful, dramatic lighting for links golf photography, highlighting the textures of the course and the bunkers.

While a full aerial view is best captured from above, certain elevated points on the course or the driving range area can offer expansive vistas of the layout. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Royal Lytham & St Annes is primarily a championship golf course, and its main appeal is for avid golfers. For families with children who are not golfers, the experience might be limited. The pro shop offers souvenirs, which can be a small draw. However, the clubhouse has a dress code (no shorts), which might be inconvenient for younger children. Reddit

If your family enjoys golf, then it's a fantastic opportunity to experience a world-class course. Otherwise, consider focusing on the nearby coastal attractions or other family-friendly activities in the St Annes or Blackpool area. The golf course itself is a challenging environment, and younger children might not fully appreciate the historical significance or the intricacies of the game.

💰 Budget Travelers

Royal Lytham & St Annes is not a budget-friendly destination. As a championship course that hosts major tournaments, visitor green fees are premium. Expect to pay a significant amount to play a round. Reddit

For those on a tighter budget, consider visiting the pro shop for souvenirs as a more affordable way to engage with the club. Alternatively, exploring the surrounding coastal areas or other public golf courses in the region might offer a more budget-conscious golfing experience. The true value here lies in the prestige and history, which comes at a cost.

🏌️‍♂️ Serious Golfers

For serious golfers, Royal Lytham & St Annes is a bucket-list destination. Playing this iconic links course offers the chance to test your skills on a layout that has challenged the world's best. Be prepared for a demanding round, especially if the wind is up. Reddit

Key advice for serious golfers:
* Book well in advance: Tee times are scarce and highly sought after. Reddit
* Study the course: Familiarize yourself with the layout and the infamous pot bunkers. Reddit
* Embrace the challenge: This is a true test of links golf; enjoy the experience and the history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Links: A Golfer's Guide

Royal Lytham & St Annes is a true test of links golf, characterized by its firm, fast fairways, undulating terrain, and the ever-present challenge of the wind. The course is famously dotted with numerous pot bunkers, which are deep and unforgiving, demanding precise shot-making and often resulting in significant penalties if avoided. Visitors often remark on the need to 'club down' significantly to account for the bounce and roll on the fairways, especially in summer conditions. The greens, while challenging, are noted to be softer than some other links courses, offering a slight reprieve. Reddit

Playing here means embracing the history and tradition of the game. Each hole has a story, and walking the fairways where legends have competed can be a profound experience. This historical significance can sometimes be a distraction from one's own game, but it's also a core part of the pleasure of playing such an iconic venue. For those seeking the ultimate links challenge, Royal Lytham & St Annes delivers an unforgettable round. Reddit

Key considerations for golfers:
* Wind: Be prepared for strong, changeable winds that can drastically alter club selection and shot trajectory.
* Bunkers: Treat every bunker with respect; they are strategically placed and can easily derail a hole.
* Course Management: Think strategically about each shot, considering the wind, the bounce, and the hazards. It's not a course for brute force alone.

Beyond the Fairway: The Clubhouse and Pro Shop

The clubhouse at Royal Lytham & St Annes is more than just a place to relax after a round; it's a repository of golfing history. Visitors often comment on its welcoming atmosphere and the sense of tradition that permeates its halls. While the buildings are described as unique rather than grand, they exude an authentic charm. It's important to note that the club comprises three separate buildings, so exploring the entire complex might involve stepping outside. Reddit

The pro shop is a popular spot for souvenirs, allowing friends and family to share in the experience of a visit, even if they didn't play the course. While the buildings might not be as visually imposing as some modern golf resorts, their historical significance and the quality of the amenities, including food and service, are consistently praised. Reddit

Visitor tips for the clubhouse:
* Dress Code: Remember that shorts are not permitted inside the clubhouse. Adhere to the club's dress code to ensure a smooth entry. Reddit
* Explore: Take time to appreciate the historical elements within the clubhouse. It's a key part of the overall experience.
* Souvenirs: The pro shop is a great place to pick up mementos of your visit.

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