Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course)
Scotland · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,385 yards · Designed by George Strath and Willie Fernie (1888), James Braid (1923 major redesign), various modern refinements · Est. 1878
Overview
Royal Troon is classic championship links golf on the Ayrshire coast. The course sits between the Firth of Clyde and the town of Troon, with the railway line and main road defining the eastern boundary. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is nearby - you'll see and hear low-flying aircraft, especially on the southern holes. The layout is distinctive. The front nine runs straight south along the coast - wide, visible, downwind (typically). This is where low scores are made. Holes 1-6 are relatively forgiving and often play downwind. Then the course turns inland at the 7th, entering hillier dune country with thick gorse and vegetation. Holes 7-13 change direction frequently through the dunes - tighter, more penal, with blind shots (10th and 11th tees). The 11th (Railway) is brutally difficult. The finish (13-18) runs north parallel to the opening holes, often directly into wind - a stern, long test. The contrasts define Troon's character: Open first six holes, tight and treacherous middle section, exposed and demanding finish. Wind direction completely changes the course. Downwind start/upwind finish is common and challenging. The course rewards strategic positioning and punishes wayward shots severely (gorse, OB, deep bunkers). Conditioning is championship-caliber. Firm, fast links turf. Perfectly manicured fairways. Greens are excellent - fast, true, subtly contoured. The course is set up tough but fair. The bunkering is classic - deep, revetted, strategically placed. The gorse is thick and punishing. The clubhouse is steeped in history and elegance. Inside you'll find photographs and artifacts from Open Championships, trophies, and memorabilia. The atmosphere is traditional, respectful of the club's heritage. Dining is excellent. The pro shop is well-stocked. Caddies available and strongly recommended - local knowledge of wind, lines, and greens is invaluable. Expect a serious test of championship golf in an authentic links environment. This is where Palmer, Watson, and Stenson claimed Claret Jugs. Where Branden Grace shot the first 62 in major championship history. Where the Postage Stamp humbles champions. It's a privilege to play here - treat it as such.
History
Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878 with just 5 holes. George Strath, the club's first golf professional, and Willie Fernie expanded it to 18 holes by 1888. The course evolved along the Ayrshire coast between Troon village and the Firth of Clyde, with Glasgow Prestwick Airport nearby. In 1923, James Braid - five-time Open Champion and legendary architect - completely redesigned the course, creating the championship layout that exists today (with modern refinements). The club was granted 'Royal' designation in 1978 during its centenary. Royal Troon has hosted The Open Championship 10 times (men's): 1923, 1950, 1962, 1973, 1982, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2016, and 2024. Champions include Arthur Havers (1923), Bobby Locke (1950), Arnold Palmer (1962 - his second Open), Tom Weiskopf (1973), Tom Watson (1982), Mark Calcavecchia (1989), Justin Leonard (1997), Todd Hamilton (2004), Henrik Stenson (2016 with record 264/-20), and Xander Schauffele (2024). Six consecutive Opens at Troon (1962-2004) were won by Americans, finally broken by Sweden's Henrik Stenson in 2016 with one of the greatest Open performances ever. The course also hosted the 2020 AIG Women's British Open, won by Germany's Sophia Popov in a major upset. The Postage Stamp 8th hole became legendary when 71-year-old Gene Sarazen holed in one during the 1973 Open, then birdied it the next day. It remains the most photographed hole in championship golf. The Railway 11th has been called one of the hardest holes in major golf - routinely playing over par in Opens. Royal Troon also has the Portland Course - a second championship-caliber 18-hole links designed by Willie Fernie (1895) and redesigned by Alister MacKenzie (1921). It's highly regarded in its own right. The club also has the Craigend 9-hole par-3 course. The club voted overwhelmingly to admit women members on July 1, 2016, avoiding controversy ahead of the 2016 Open. The elegant clubhouse, designed by Henry Edward Clifford (1886), is richly decorated with golf artifacts and memorabilia. Colin Montgomerie's father served as club secretary in the 1980s.
Signature Holes
The most famous short hole in golf. At just 123 yards, it's the shortest hole in Open Championship golf, but the tiny plateau green (only 2,635 sq ft) is surrounded by deep bunkers and steep falloffs. Wind swirls unpredictably. Gene Sarazen holed in one here age 71. The bunkers are graveyard deep -
One of the hardest holes in major championship golf. Blind tee shot over gorse with OB railway line tight right. Long approach to small elevated green with OB lurking. Statistically brutal in Opens. Tests nerves and execution. Course architect John Daly called it a 'monster.'
Tied for longest hole in Open Championship history (until 2023 Royal Liverpool). Long, demanding par 5 reaching along the coast. Risk-reward strategic options. Named for views of Turnberry and Ailsa Craig in the distance.
Long, intimidating par 3. Often plays directly into prevailing wind. Deep bunkers guard the green. Demands a powerful, precise long iron or hybrid. Frequently decisive in tournaments.
Strong finishing hole played toward elegant clubhouse. Strategic bunkers and demanding approach. Championships won and lost here. Classic links finish.
Pros & Cons
✓ The Good
- Consistently ranked top 30-50 course in the world
- 10-time Open Championship venue with legendary history
- Home to iconic Postage Stamp - most famous short hole in golf
- Classic championship links with superb conditioning
- Excellent contrast between open start, tight middle, demanding finish
- Longer course (7,385 yards) offers serious championship test
✗ The Challenges
- Very exclusive with limited visitor access
- Difficult to book - competitive for tee times
- Expensive (premium pricing for Open Championship pedigree)
- Railway 11th hole can be brutally difficult and frustrating
- Aircraft noise from nearby Prestwick Airport
- Wind can be fierce and relentless - very challenging
Our Verdict
Royal Troon is one of Scotland's finest and most storied championship links - a stern, strategic test that has crowned 10 Open Champions and produced some of golf's most iconic moments. The Postage Stamp alone is worth the pilgrimage, but the entire course is a masterclass in links design and championship golf. The course offers a unique journey: an open, forgiving (relatively) start where birdies are possible; a tight, treacherous middle section through gorse and dunes where survival is the goal; and a long, exposed, wind-battered finish that demands strength and precision. The contrasts create drama. The Railway 11th is one of golf's great terrors. The Postage Stamp is one of golf's great delights. Together they epitomize Troon's challenge and character. The history is immense. Arnold Palmer's second Open. Henrik Stenson's record 264. Branden Grace's historic 62. Sarazen's hole-in-one at age 71. Every great player has battled Troon. The clubhouse celebrates this legacy beautifully. The atmosphere respects tradition while welcoming visitors appropriately. The exclusivity is real. Visitor access is limited and competitive. Booking requires advance planning and persistence. But for those who secure a tee time, the reward is playing one of the world's best courses in championship condition. The test is stern - this is not a course for casual players or beginners. You'll be challenged. The wind will test you. The gorse will punish mistakes. But the experience is unforgettable. Best for: Accomplished golfers seeking championship-level links golf. Those who dream of walking where Open Champions walked. Serious golfers building an Ayrshire coast trail (combine with Turnberry, Prestwick, Western Gailes). Anyone who wants to test themselves against one of golf's sternest links challenges. Not ideal for: Beginners or high handicappers (too difficult and penal). Those seeking easy booking or accessibility. Budget-conscious golfers (premium pricing). Golfers sensitive to aircraft noise (Prestwick Airport nearby). Bottom line: If you can get on Royal Troon, don't hesitate. It's a world-class championship links with immense history, iconic holes, and a superb test of golf. The Postage Stamp alone is one of golf's must-play holes. Combine with the Portland Course for 36 holes of exceptional links golf. Build an Ayrshire coast itinerary including Turnberry (Ailsa), Prestwick, and Western Gailes for a Scottish golf pilgrimage you'll remember forever. The course demands respect, skill, and determination - but rewards with one of the great links experiences on Earth.