Rory McIlroy's hope that Muirfield would host The Open Championship in 2028 has been dashed, with the R&A instead awarding the tournament to Royal Lytham & St Annes. The Northern Irish golfer had publicly backed Muirfield, where he experienced what he called the 'lowest point' of his professional career after missing the cut in 2013.
McIlroy described Muirfield as 'one of the best courses on the rota' and argued that the area was commercially viable. However, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon confirmed that Royal Lytham & St Annes, which will also stage the Women's Open in 2026, was chosen for its links pedigree and fan appeal. The course last hosted The Open in 2012, when Ernie Els won.
Darbon acknowledged ongoing discussions with Muirfield but noted that infrastructure issues, including the practice ground, need to be resolved before the Scottish course can return to the rota. Muirfield was removed from the Open rotation after a 2016 vote to retain its male-only membership policy, which was later overturned in 2017.
McIlroy had predicted the decision, noting that the Women's Open at Lytham often precedes the men's event. The 2028 Open will mark the 13th time the Lancashire course has hosted the championship, following its debut in 1926 when Bobby Jones triumphed.
