History of Royal Troon:

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best links courses, #51 in the world (GOLF Magazine), Royal Troon was created by Willie Fernie, one of the great early British golfers, in 1878. The most appropriate description of the course is also the club motto – “Tam Arte Quam Marte,” – which means “as much by skill as by strength”. In 1978, Troon claimed its “Royal” status while celebrating the 100th anniversary of the course.

Though a relative latecomer to the Open Championship circuit, Troon has hosted the tournament nine times. The most recent of which was when Henrick Stenson triumphed in 2016. In 1923 Muirfield was to host the Open Championship but, due to extensive remodeling, had to withdraw. This allowed Troon to receive an invitation to host its first Open. Since then, some of golf’s greatest have seen victory at Royal Troon including Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer.

Course Overview:

A classic links course in every respect, the golfer is eased into the challenge with each hole appearing progressively tougher. Troon’s small greens require touch and imagination. Narrow fairways lined with trouble make tee shots critical, its bunkers are punishing. Running straight out and back along the coast, Troon often changes dramatically from front nine to back.

Though boasting many superb holes, there can be little argument about Troon’s most famous hole. At 126 yards, the par 3 – 8th “The Postage Stamp” may be the shortest hole in Open Championship golf. However, don’t let that fool you as it has certainly notched up its fair share of victims.

The severely trapped green is conducive to the golfing equivalent of ping-pong and has borne witness to a triple bogey by Tiger Woods in 1997 and an amazing 15 by a certain Open contender in 1950. Perhaps fittingly though, the great Gene Sarazen did manage a hole in one here on the 50th anniversary of his first appearance in the Championship.

Along with Turnberry and Prestwick, Royal Troon and the West Coast of Scotland have become a golfer’s dream destination. Plan your next visit with us here.