Nestling between two seaside resorts, the Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Course is one of the most unique courses in the rotation of The Open Championship. It is a links in every sense of the word, with sandy soil and the wind blowing in from the Irish Sea.

In 1926 the club hosted its first Open and King George V gave his permission to add the word 'Royal' to the club's title just in time for the Championship to start.

Bobby Jones, one of the most talented and successful amateur golfers of all time, won the 1926 Open. Trailing a fellow American, A.L. Watrous, with two holes to play, Jones played perhaps the greatest shot in Open history, hitting a mashie second shot from the sand on the left of the 17th. He than parred the 18th to win his first title. He went on to win The Open twice more and also claim the amateur title.

Open to the elements, the trees on the course permanently lean sideways, with the wind often proving a formidable competitor in the homeward five holes of the course.

The course is well designed, with holes to test every level of player. It is the only major championship course to open with Par 3. The first four and last five holes are said to be amongst the trickiest in Britain, but some respite is offered in between with holes which are within everyone's range.

Holes 16 to 18 have produced some of the most memorable moments in major championship history - 16 is the scene of Seve's famous 'car park' shot in 1979.

The Grand Victorian clubhouse, with its oak-panelled dining room, offers a haven from the elements - a place to soak up the history of previous championships and admire the skill of past and present golfing heroes.

The Club welcomes club golfers just as warmly and the course is always set up to Championship standards, so it is possible to play it in the footsteps of the golfing legends.

If you contact the club on www.royallytham.org or 01253 724206, they will arrange a mutually agreed starting time for you to pit your skills against a challenge that tests even the best.