Photo: dave souza · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ayrshire / Glasgow, Scotland
Royal Troon Golf Club
An Ayrshire links that has hosted The Open Championship eleven times — home to the Postage Stamp par 3, the shortest hole in Open rota history, and most recently the 2024 Open.
Course overview
Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878 with the 18-hole layout completed in 1888, and was awarded Royal status in 1978 on its centenary. The course occupies classic out-and-back links terrain on the Ayrshire coast, running toward the Firth of Clyde and then returning. James Braid's 1923 redesign substantially shaped the course as it stands today. Troon has hosted The Open Championship eleven times — champions include Arnold Palmer (1962), Tom Watson (1982), Henrik Stenson (2016), and Xander Schauffele (2024). The club admitted women members in 2016, ending a men-only policy that had threatened its place on the Open rota.
The essentials
- Architect
- Charlie Hunter; Willie Fernie; James Braid (redesign 1923)
- Established
- 1888
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,561 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–22
- Location
- Ayrshire, Scotland
Character & atmosphere
Troon's out-and-back routing means golfers must manage two entirely different sets of wind conditions within a single round — the outward nine generally runs downwind before the incoming nine returns directly into the prevailing westerly, providing a severe examination of driving accuracy and iron control.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Charlie Hunter; Willie Fernie; James Braid (redesign 1923), opened in 1888.
- A championship-calibre test that has hosted professional golf.
Signature Hole
8
The Postage Stamp — a par 3 of 123 yards with the smallest green in Open Championship golf, surrounded by deep pot bunkers and steep run-off slopes. The shortest hole on the Open rota and one of the most iconic par 3s in the world.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Prestwick Airport is just minutes from Troon and is the most convenient option. Glasgow Airport has more international connections; the drive to Troon takes around 40 minutes via the M77. Troon is also served by regular ScotRail trains from Glasgow Central.
Where to stay
Troon is the natural base for the Ayrshire links circuit, with Royal Troon effectively in the town centre and several other top courses within a short drive. The seaside setting is pleasant, and the town has enough dining and a good beach to occupy evenings and rest days.
Nearby courses
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Scotland
Explore Ayrshire / Glasgow
Ayrshire's Open Championship links coast, including Turnberry and Royal Troon.