Royal Troon Golf Club is a mainstay of Scottish golf itineraries and for very good reason. The club is a 9-time host of The Open Championship, including one of the most exciting major finishes in recent memory: the 2016 “Duel at Troon” between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson. The Open returns to Royal Troon in 2024 and the world of golf would be delighted to see a repeat of that dramatic Sunday.
In addition to its rich history, Royal Troon is home to a pair of the most famous holes in Scotland. Finally, the club is conveniently located in the golf rich region along Scotland’s west coast. All of which makes Royal Troon a popular choice for those embarking on Scotland golf trips.
Whether you’re counting down to a tee time at this iconic venue or looking ahead to the 2024 Open Championship, here are 6 things that shouldn’t be missed at Royal Troon Golf Club.
The Postage Stamp
Originally known as “Ailsa” thanks to its inspiring view of the same rocky craig of Turnberry fame, it was Willie Park, Jr. who described it as “A pitching surface scaled down to the size of a postage stamp.” At just 123 yards, it is the shortest hole in The Open rota, yet the one that garners much of the anticipation before a round at Royal Troon. The proposition, however, is actually quite simple: find the green, or pay the price.
The Railway
The 11th consistently plays as the toughest hole when The Open comes to Royal Troon, and one of the hardest in all of major championship golf. As the name suggests, this par-4 is bordered on its right side by the Glasgow-Ayr railway. Down the left is a layer of impenetrable gorse. Toss in the prevailing wind – which is naturally into our face – and there’s little wonder why this hole vexes mere mortals and the world’s best alike.
The Clubhouse
A far cry from the 300 square foot wooden shack the club utilized in the 1870s, the clubhouse at Royal Troon is among the best in Great Britain & Ireland. Whether it’s a brief stroll of the Trophy Corridor or enjoying a post-round beverage and the view from the Ailsa Room, to leave without spending at least a few minutes in its confines would be an opportunity missed.
The Portland
Conventional thinking might assume that a club’s primary course would have the big name architect attached to it, while credit for the “relief” 18 may go to the relatively unknown club professional. At Royal Troon, the exact opposite is the case.
Although Willie Fernie – Troon’s longtime head professional – is largely responsible for the main course at Royal Troon, the lesser known Portland course was redesigned in the 1920’s by none other than Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The Portland may be less heralded than most MacKenzie designs, but we think it’s a fine choice for an Emergency 18 after a round on the “big” course next door. It also happens to be one of the few Alister MacKenzie courses you can play across the pond.
Sunset over The Portland Course – Courtesy of Royal Troon.
The Good Life
When it comes to the Good Life, nearby Turnberry leads the way in this part of Scotland, but the Troon area is not without its options for those looking to stay, sip, and savor.
The Marine Troon recently emerged from a head-to-toe renovation as part of its entry into the Marine & Lawn family of hotels. In addition to the Good Life at The Marine, its location adjacent the 18th fairway at Royal Troon is impossible to top.
For cuisine, Scott’s Troon is where fresh seafood and hand-crafted libations pair perfectly with a stunning view over Troon Yacht Haven. The combination is best enjoyed while the famous Ayrshire sunset fades over the harbor.
The Marine Hotel and Royal Troon Clubhouse – Courtesy of Marine & Lawn
The Birthplace of The Open
A short par-5 from the 10th tee at Royal Troon lies the host of the first 12 Open Championships and 24 in total. For some, Prestwick Golf Club is as quirky as its history is rich, yet no visit to the Ayrshire coast is complete without a round here. While the inward-9 at Royal Troon may leave you battered and bruised, the stroll around Prestwick is a delightful journey through golf the way Old Tom intended it.
From the exceptional clubhouse and rich history to the Postage Stamp and Railway, we trust that your round at Royal Troon Golf Club will be an unforgettable one.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Scotland.
For more insight on planning your overseas golf trip, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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