Founded in March 1878 but not joining the Royal course list until 100 years later, Royal Troon is renowned worldwide as one of the very best links golf courses and has played host to the Open Championship on nine occasions. Most recently when Henrik Stenson triumphed in an epic battle with Phil Mickelson in 2016.
During its centenary year, Troon was honoured with the ‘Royal' accolade, and remains the most recent club to be recognised as such. The Old Course is a classic Scottish links, with characteristic wind with which to contend, in addition to deep rough, broom and gorse.
The locals will tell you to make your score on the front nine, because battling home after the turn against the prevailing wind is often a case of damage limitation. The signature hole is the par-3 8th, named the ‘Postage Stamp' for obvious reasons; standing on the tee with a strong cross-wind, the golfer is faced with a tiny green, flanked by cavernous pot bunkers. This is surely one of the most famous shots in golf.
In addition to the famous Old Course, Troon can offer a good test on the Portland Course. Although shorter and less fearsome than its neighbour, a quirky mixture of par-3s and par 5-s make the Portland a genuine challenge for most, especially given the proximity of the dreaded gorse.
Henrick Stenson may have lifted the Claret Jug in 2016, but Mickelson's 63 meant he had to settle for the course record.
A - Yes
A - Yes
A - £50 plus discretionary
A - No visitor play
A - There are 2 bars on site
A - Neither
A - There is complimentary car parking