Royal Troon
Troon, Scotland
Set along the Ayrshire coast in the seaside town of Troon, Royal Troon Golf Club remains the first and last club in Great Britain to have been granted royal status during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Being designated a royal course is a testament to the quality of the golf course, facilities, service, and heritage. The private, members-only club welcomes international visitors as honorary members for a day. A golf museum in its own right, you can spend your entire day wandering the clubhouse filled with historical relics and memorabilia. Get there early and order something to eat; the black pudding and egg sandwich was top-notch. Enjoy post-round drinks in their intimate bar room or a cigar in the smoking room. Established in 1878, it’s apparent the club has many formalities but like most golf in Scotland, the atmosphere was laid-back and friendly.
A regular on the Open rota, Royal Troon will host its next Open Championship in 2024, its 10th time as host. Six consecutive Opens here were won by Americans from 1962 through 2004. Henrik Stenson spoiled the streak when he defeated Phil Mickelson in stunning fashion in 2016.
The course is designed in the traditional links-style, out-and-back manner. The first several holes along the water offer beautiful scenery and an easier time than the brutal closing stretch of holes. 10, 11, 13, 15, and 18 are extremely difficult, especially in the wind. Plan on getting your scoring done early - par is an excellent score on most of those closing holes. Hole 11: The Railway, named after the railway line that runs alongside it, is statistically the hardest hole on the Open rota. Royal Troon is perhaps most famous for its par 3 8th hole, the Postage Stamp, or the “Wee Beastie,” according to our caddy. At just 123 yards, the iconic hole is the shortest in the Open rota and is ready to wreak havoc on your scorecard. There is literally no margin for error. If you miss the green… the hardest shot on the course may be your second shot to the hole. Do yourself a favor and stay clear of the coffin bunker.
Our last round in Scotland, Troon, was a spiritual walk with few distractions but the challenges presented by the architects of the golf course and Mother Nature. A few pints and several shared stories following our game helped soothe the blisters we’d picked up over our time in Scotland.
Public: Course Website | Opened: 1878 | Designer: George Strath, Willie Fernie, James Braid
