Lytham is also unique for being the only course on the Open Championship rotation to start with a par-three, a robust 206 yard opener that is infamous for the events that occurred in the final round in 2001.
Ian Woosnam, the co-leader standing on the tee in the final round, hit a marvellous approach to within inches of the cup for a cast-iron birdie only to be alerted by his caddie on the 2nd tee that they had 15 clubs in the bag. Woosnam hurled the offending extra driver into the bushes in frustration and the subsequent two-shot penalty effectively ruined any hope of the diminutive Welshman, who won the Masters 10 years previously, adding to his major haul. In the end it was World No 1 David Duval who cantered to his one and only major success thanks to a brilliant 67. Given Woosnam's misfortune, the American might have been an unpopular winner with the British golfing public had he not given such a heartfelt and gracious speech upon receiving the Claret Jug. Duval, a somewhat misunderstood character showed the utmost class and dignity that day.
Lytham is a pure links but urban development has resulted in the course being surrounded by housing and a railway line that borders the property, unlike other Open layouts which retain a mostly uninterrupted relationship with the shore. But what it lacks in seaside vistas it more than makes up for in golfing quality.
Chief Executive of the R&A, Peter Dawson, says players familiar with Lytham will notice a few changes to the golf course since 2001. "The R&A have embarked on a programme over the past 10 years of upgrading our Open venues, only slightly here and there, to give the modern professionals the best possible challenge," he said.
At Lytham, that means new back tees installed on the two par-fives – the 7th and 11th – and also the par-four 10th. The 7th green has also been moved back approximately 30 yards to extend the hole to 589 yards, while the 11th has been stretched to over 600 yards.
Reports indicate the upgrade work has settled in well after helpful winter conditions and the tweaks also includes the creation of three new dunes systems on the 2nd, 3rd and 16th holes. At 7,086 yards and playing to a par of 70, Lytham will measure around 200 yards longer than it did in 2001.
