Royal Troon Golf Club: Host of The Open Championship

By The Fairway Father

Royal Troon Golf Club, located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, is one of the most esteemed golf courses in the world. Known for its challenging layout and rich history, it has been a frequent host of The Open Championship. Since its first hosting in 1923, Royal Troon has welcomed The Open 9 times, making this year its tenth hosting, with the most recent being in 2016.

History and Prestige

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon Golf Club quickly established itself as a premier golfing destination. It was awarded its "Royal" designation by King George V in 1978 during its centenary celebrations, further cementing its status in the golfing world. The club's reputation for excellence has made it a key venue in The Open's rotation, standing alongside other legendary courses such as St Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Birkdale.

The Course Layout

Royal Troon's Old Course is renowned for its rigorous test of golfing skill. The course spans 7,208 yards and is a par 71, featuring a blend of demanding holes that require precision and strategic play. The course record for the Open is a mere 63, achieved by Mickelson and Stenson in their famed shootout of 2016.

The Front Nine

The front nine holes of Royal Troon give stunning views of the Scottish coast, beginning with a relatively straightforward 370-yard par 4. However, the difficulty ramps up quickly. The 6th hole, known as "Turnberry," is a par 5 stretching 601 yards, challenging golfers with its length and strategically placed bunkers. This makes it the longest par 5 of the Open venues. 

The Postage Stamp

Perhaps the most famous hole at Royal Troon is the 8th, known as the "Postage Stamp." This par 3 is only 123 yards but is considered one of the most difficult par 3s in the world. Its small green, surrounded by deep bunkers, demands accuracy and nerve, punishing even slight mistakes.

The Back Nine

The back nine is where a great scorecard can quickly fall apart, with the 11th hole, "The Railway," being particularly notable. This par 4, measuring 490 yards, runs alongside a railway line, adding an element of external pressure. The 15th and 16th holes often play into the prevailing wind, requiring players to be both powerful and precise. The course concludes with a strong finishing hole, the 18th, a 458-yard par 4 that has seen many dramatic moments in Open history. The famous Gary Player once stated that the back nine of Royal Troon is the most difficult in the world when the wind is gusting. 

The Ideal Golfer for Royal Troon

Royal Troon is best suited for golfers who excel in strategic thinking and precision. The course demands accuracy off the tee, as many fairways are narrow and flanked by deep rough, and strategically placed bunkers. Players who can keep the ball in play and avoid hazards, like the dreaded gorse bushes, will have a significant advantage.

Additionally, strong iron play is crucial. The small, well-protected greens require pinpoint approach shots. Golfers with a reliable short game will also fare better, as the undulating greens and challenging bunkers test chipping and putting skills. However, don’t expect burnt-out and crispy greens! The greens may be slower than you expect due to the high wind, which would make the greens unplayable if cut too short.

Given its coastal location, wind can play a significant role at Royal Troon. Thus, golfers adept at controlling ball flight and adjusting for varying wind conditions will have an edge.

Memorable Opens at Royal Troon

Royal Troon has been the stage for numerous memorable moments in Open history. The 1973 Open saw Tom Weiskopf triumph, while in 1989, Mark Calcavecchia claimed the Claret Jug after a dramatic four-hole playoff.

The 2016 Open was particularly memorable, with Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson engaging in a thrilling final-round duel. Stenson's final-round 63, which included ten birdies, allowed him to edge out Mickelson and set a new record for the lowest score in major championship history at the time, finishing at 20-under-par.

Bonus Insight

If you’ve taken the time to read this then you deserve some valuable insight that may give you an edge over our playing partners. While Royal Troon is located in Scottland and is a traditional links course, the venue has a strong history of American Champion Golfers, with six consecutive winners at Troon coming from the United States prior to Stenson’s success in The 145th Open. 

Set Your Picks

Royal Troon Golf Club's storied history and challenging course design make it a fitting host for The Open Championship (Possibly my favorite). Its unique blend of tradition, natural beauty, and demanding golf ensures every tournament held here is memorable. So get your picks in and find a comfy spot to what has the potential to be a shootout to the finish!