Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Royal Lytham and St Annes has seen much in the world of golf and it is fitting that such electric moments should be enjoyed at one of the best courses in the country. The 1961 Ryder Cup, a maiden Open win for Bobby Jones, two Opens for Seve Ballesteros. Tony Jacklin, Gary Player and Bobby Locke are among the others who have enjoyed Open Championship glory on a course that demands little more of you than accuracy and good decisions. How simple that sounds.

The first professional to call Royal Lytham his home club, George Lowe, designed a layout of 18 holes that has barely changed in the intervening century, although the great Harry S Colt did advise on some bunkering and green positions in the early 1920's.

Unlike many of Britain's links courses Royal Lytham and St Annes is not about stunning coastal views - the setting is suburban, the nearest neighbour the railway line, but it remains a magic and aura that few other places could hope to replicate. Look at the winners of the Open here and you will see that the very best have won when they have been at their very best - that is no coincidence. It is little wonder that so many people would relish the chance to pit their wits against this unique and beguiling test of golf.