Muirfield and Turnberry to miss out as famous English venues lead race to host 2028 Open

Famous links courses Muirfield and Trump Turnberry look increasingly unlikely to host the 2028 Open Championship, as attention turns elsewhere with the R&A still to confirm a venue for golf’s oldest major.

One of Scotland’s most historic links, Muirfield, has not hosted The Open since Phil Mickelson etched his name on the Claret Jug more than a decade ago. 

Despite Muirfield's storied legacy, having staged 16 Opens since 1892, a return now appears unlikely before 2031 at the earliest.

A key obstacle remains the long-term staging of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, which has been confirmed through to 2030. 

The event’s position the week before The Open — designed to help players adapt to links conditions — creates significant logistical complications for any Muirfield return.

The R&A has previously left the door open for Muirfield to make a comeback. 

Chief executive Mark Darbon has acknowledged ongoing discussions with the venue, but has also pointed to infrastructure challenges, particularly around practice facilities and modern championship requirements, that would need addressing before a return could be considered.

Meanwhile, Trump Turnberry also remains absent from the rota, having last hosted in 2009. 

While logistical issues — not political factors — are understood to be the primary barrier, there remains no clear pathway back onto the schedule.

With no official announcement yet for 2028, reports suggest an English venue is now heavily expected to stage the championship. 

Royal Lytham & St Annes is understood to be a leading contender, buoyed by significant infrastructure upgrades, and is aiming to host its first Open since 2012. 

An announcement is reportedly expected as early as next week.

It is not alone in contention though. 

Royal St George's is understood to be firmly in the mix, having last hosted in 2021 and remaining England’s most frequently used modern rota venue.

If confirmed, the 2028 edition would help fill a scheduling gap created by the rescheduling of The Open to accommodate the Los Angeles Olympics, while also reinforcing England’s central role in the championship rota.

Golf's original championship is being moved back in 2028 as to avoid clashing with the golf competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles which are being played from 19-29 July. 

As a result, the 156th Open will be held from 3-6 August 2028. 

Most Played Open Venues

Upcoming Open venues are already confirmed as Royal Birkdale will host this July, before The Open returns to the Old Course at St Andrews in 2027.

Beyond that, the rota remains under scrutiny. 

Royal Troon hosted as recently as 2024, while Carnoustie Golf Links — last used in 2018 — appears to have slipped further down the pecking order.

With uncertainty still surrounding 2028, the focus is now firmly on whether Royal Lytham & St Annes or Royal St George’s will be confirmed — and how the R&A continues to shape the future direction of The Open rota.