Royal Troon

Royal Troon
Name	Royal Troon Golf Club
Location	Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Establishment	1878
Type	Private
Holes	45
Website	https://www.royaltroon.com/

Royal Troon. Located on the Firth of Clyde in South Ayrshire, it is one of the premier links courses in the world and a frequent host of The Open Championship. Founded in 1878, the club received its royal patronage from King George V in 1923. Its challenging layout, particularly the famous "Postage Stamp" hole, has tested the world's greatest golfers for over a century.

History

The club's origins trace back to 1878, when a small group of enthusiasts from the Troon curling club laid out a five-hole course on land owned by the Duke of Portland. The course was quickly expanded under the guidance of early professionals like George Strath. The club's prestige grew significantly after hosting its first major tournament, the Amateur Championship, in 1903. Royal patronage was granted by King George V in 1923, cementing its status among elite British clubs like Royal St George's and Muirfield. Throughout the 20th century, figures such as James Braid provided design consultation, helping shape the modern championship test.

The Open Championship

Royal Troon first hosted The Open Championship in 1923, an event won by English golfer Arthur Havers. It has since been a regular venue on the Open Championship rota, with notable victories including Arnold Palmer's first Open win in 1962, which cemented his legacy in the Grand Slam. Tom Weiskopf triumphed in 1973, while Mark Calcavecchia prevailed in a dramatic playoff against Greg Norman and Wayne Grady in 1989. More recently, Henrik Stenson won a legendary duel with Phil Mickelson in 2016, and Cameron Smith claimed the Claret Jug in 2022. The championship is administered by The R&A.

Course layout

The championship course is a classic out-and-back links layout, stretching along the coastline of the Firth of Clyde. The front nine typically play downwind, while the back nine head directly into the prevailing westerlies from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a stern challenge. The terrain features undulating fairways, thick marram grass rough, and strategically placed bunkers. Key design influences came from early professionals like Willie Fernie and later from James Braid. The course is maintained to the exacting standards required for major championships by organizations like The R&A and PGA Tour.

Signature holes

The most famous hole is the par-3 8th, known as the "Postage Stamp" for its diminutive green. It has witnessed dramatic moments in The Open Championship, including a hole-in-one by Tiger Woods during practice in 1997. The par-5 6th, "Turnberry," is a demanding three-shot hole with out-of-bounds lurking. The closing stretch is particularly brutal, featuring the long par-4 11th ("The Railway") which runs adjacent to the Glasgow and South Western Railway line, and the par-3 17th, where Jack Nicklaus famously made a crucial birdie during the 1973 Open Championship.

Clubhouse and facilities

The distinctive red-sandstone clubhouse, with its clock tower, is a landmark overlooking the first tee and the Firth of Clyde. It houses historic memorabilia, including trophies and artifacts from past Open Championship contests. The club's facilities also encompass the challenging Portland Course, named for the Duke of Portland, and the shorter Craigend layout. Dining and social traditions are central, with ties to other historic clubs like Prestwick Golf Club and Royal Liverpool.

Notable events

Beyond The Open Championship, Royal Troon has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments. It was the venue for the Senior Open Championship in 2008, 2016, and will host again in 2024. The club has also staged the Amateur Championship on ten occasions, most recently in 2018, and the Walker Cup in 1956. In 2018, it co-hosted the European Amateur Team Championship with Glasgow Gailes. Its status ensures it remains a key venue for events sanctioned by The R&A and European Golf Association.

Category:Golf clubs and courses in Scotland Category:The Open Championship venues Category:Sports venues in South Ayrshire Category:1878 establishments in Scotland