Royal Troon is a traditional out and back links course on the current Open Rota. Host of the 152nd Open Championship, it is best known for the short par 3 Postage Stamp and strategic 11th, named Railway.
Royal Troon Golf Club (Old)
Royal Troon is a traditional out and back links course on the current Open Rota. Host of the 152nd Open Championship, it is best known for the short par 3 Postage Stamp and strategic 11th, named Railway.
Royal Troon was founded in 1878 (without the Royal Title) as a five-hole golf course following a meeting in the local pub by a group of golf enthusiasts. It was Charlie Hunter, Keeper of the Green at Prestwick, who laid out the original course and a few of his greens are still in play today.
George Strath, Royal Troon's first professional, later extended the course to twelve holes and then to eighteen by 1884. Willie Fernie improved the eighteen-hole layout continuously until after WW1. It is Willie Fernie we can thank for arguably Royal Troon’s two greatest holes – The Postage Stamp and Railway.
In 1923, Royal Troon Golf Club hosted its first Open Championship and finally moved out of the shadow of its famous neighbour, Prestwick. By 1923, Prestwick had already hosted 23 Open Championships before Royal Troon received its first.
James Braid would toughen the layout by adding length and building formidable bunkers. Of note, James Braid altered the bunkering to the 8th or Postage Stamp – creating one of golf’s greatest short par 3’s of only 123 yards. The hole can also be played from a forward tee that tops out at just 99 yards.
"The course at Troon is perhaps a little overshadowed by its more famous neighbour," wrote Bernard Darwin in his 1910 book, The Golf Courses of the British Isles, "but it is a very fine course nevertheless, especially since it has been lengthened of late years. It has, moreover, one of the finest short holes to be found anywhere."
Surprisingly, it wasn’t golf’s greatest writer who named the hole but rather it was Willie Park Jr, quoted in Golf Illustrated, who said the putting green was ‘skimmed down to the size of a postage stamp.’
The Postage Stamp has played a role in many of the Opens. Hermann Tissies carded a 15 in 1950 and Tiger Woods triple bogeyed the hole in 1997 which derailed his chances to lift the Claret Jug. Perhaps less known are Gene Sarazen and Ernie Els hole-in-one’s in 1973 and 2004 respectively.
Mackenzie & Ebert made minor adjustments to every hole for the 145th Open in 2016, along with more major changes to the 9th, 10th and 15th holes. A backdrop of trees behind the 9th green was replaced with dunes, the former bunker in the carry of the 10th was restored, and both tees and the early portion of the 15th fairway were moved to the left of the 14th hole, reinstating the old line of the hole.
There are only three new bunkers for the 152nd Open Championship, two of which are on the 6th hole with the other added to the 1st fairway. Martin Ebert wasn’t done with the 6th hole. He also added 22 yards to it, stretching the back tees to 623 yards. This makes it the longest hole in tournament history.
There are new tees on nine of the hole but the new tee on the 10th hole introduces a completely blind shot to the Open venue. Never popular with Tour Pros, it may be exactly what is needed to unnerve the world’s best. Time will tell but a subtle change might just prove that the cerebral side of golf championed by Tom Simpson in the past still has a place in the modern game. The Open Championship tees add an astonishing 77 yards to the golf club’s medal tees.
The 10th is also the only hole on an Open Venue where Dr Alister Mackenzie is thought to have provided advice. He reportedly did so when advising the club on its second 18-hole golf course, the Portland, after its reconstruction following WW1.
Royal Troon is a traditional out-and-back links course. The opening few holes are relatively gentle, with a series of short par fours running along the Firth of Clyde. It’s from these early holes that you get the chance to soak up the views. On a clear day, you can see the distant Ailsa Craig in the south, and to the west, the majestic mountains on the Isle of Arran.
The par 71 golf course measures 7,385 yards from the championship tee but the line is more important than the distance from the tee. Bunkers are everywhere, the majority of which are not visible from the tees. There’s plenty of deep rough and a smattering of gorse and broom to punish the wayward shot.
Make your score on the outward nine holes; the inward holes are severe, often playing into the prevailing north-westerly wind. The stretch of holes from the 7th to the 13th provides an interesting and varied challenge. Some would consider it one of the best stretches of golf to be found anywhere.
The 6th is the longest par five in Open Championship golf measuring 623 yards and the 8th, known better as the “Postage Stamp”, is the shortest par three on the Open rota that can play from as little as 99 to 123 yards.
The 11th is a brutal 490-yard par four for the pros and was rated the most difficult hole of the 1997 Open Championship – out-of-bounds and the railway line runs along the right-hand side. It is one of the simplest strategic golf holes in the world.
The Open Championship returns to Royal Troon in 2024, just over 100 years since Arthur Havers lifted the Claret Jug at Troon for the first time.
Ten times an Open Championship venue, Royal Troon Golf Club was the fifth Scottish course after Prestwick, St Andrews, Musselburgh and Muirfield to host The Open.
Americans have fared very well with six of the former Champion Golfers of the Year being from the USA. Only one British man has so far been crowned, Arthur Havers in 1923.
In 1978, during Royal Troon’s centenary year, royal patronage was bestowed. Royal Troon Golf Club remains the first and last golf club in Great Britain to have been granted Royal status under the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II. King Charles has become the Patron of the R&A so it may not be long before another joins the ranks.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
Top 20 Golf Courses in Ayrshire & Arran 2015 Ayrshire & Arran Best in Region rankings updated Birthplace of the Open Championship at Prestwick in 1860, Ayrshire & Arran is obviously one of the most historically significant regions in the golfing world. The Open has been held thirty-six times in this area, and it’s set to return next year to Royal Troon, when the competition will be held on the Old course for the 9th time. With the Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry currently undergoing major improvement work under the watchful eyes of architects Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert, it surely can’t be too long before the world’s most prestigious tournament will return yet again to the Ayrshire coast. This trio of world famous courses occupy the top three positions of our newly updated Best in Region rankings for Ayrshire & Arran and all three courses retain the same position as last time. Indeed, the top six spots in our latest table all remain the same, which might appear a little boring to some, but we think it’s a sign that we might just be getting things right with the rankings! The modern links at Dundonald (tipped by many to host a Scottish Open in the very near future) appears at number 5 in the listings and this highly acclaimed Kyle Phillips design is sandwiched between the fabulous old 18-hole links layouts at Western Gailes and Glasgow Golf Club’s Gailes Links, both of which date back to the 1890s. There are no spectacular climbers or fallers in our new chart, though mention should be made of several courses, all of which rise a modest two places to their current positions. The former Open Qualifying track at Irvine, which James Braid extensively upgraded in 1926, makes a commendable move up to number 7. The Portland course at Royal Troon, currently involved in a bunker refurbishment program, becomes our new number 13 and it’s immediately followed at number 14 by Largs, one of the few parkland courses in our chart. We’re very grateful to all the club champions and professionals in this region who contributed to our re-ranking process. To view more details of the courses in our Ayrshire & Arran Top 20 rankings, click this link. If you’ve played extensively across this region and would like to help shape the next edition of the chart then please drop Editor-in-Chief Keith Baxter an email at keith@top100golfcourses.com. We don’t publish definitive golf course rankings but we like to think they’re the most informed. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
For golfers planning their first serious links trip, the choice often comes down to two destinations: Scotland or Ireland. Both offer some of the finest links courses in the world, dramatic coastal landscapes, historic clubs and enough quality to fill several days without playing the same type of golf twice. Scotland has the strongest claim to being the home of the game, with St Andrews, Muirfield, Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch among its headline acts. Ireland, meanwhile, can counter with Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna. There is no wrong answer. But if you only have one major links trip to make, which country should come first? The Headline Courses Scotland has an almost unfair collection of famous links. The Old Course at St Andrews remains the obvious pilgrimage, while Muirfield, Turnberry Ailsa, Royal Dornoch and Carnoustie provide four very different reasons to keep travelling beyond the Home of Golf. North Berwick and Kingsbarns add further depth, and there is no shortage of excellent options once you move away from the biggest names. Ireland has an equally compelling collection. Royal County Down’s Championship course currently sits at No.1 in the Top100 GB&I ranking, with Royal Portrush at No.3, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna Golf Resort’s St Patrick's Links adding further heavyweight options. That means neither country is short of a bucket-list course. Scotland perhaps has the deeper bench of instantly recognisable names, but Ireland can comfortably match it at the very top. Winner: Scotland The Links Experience The character of the golf is one of the biggest differences between the two destinations. Scotland gives you an extraordinary range of links experiences. The Old Course at St Andrews is steeped in history, Carnoustie has its fearsome reputation, Royal Dornoch delivers a more remote Highland setting, while North Berwick and Turnberry offer their own very different takes on seaside golf. Ireland's great strength is the way its links interact with the landscape. At Royal County Down, the Mountains of Mourne provide a spectacular backdrop. Royal Portrush winds through some of the biggest dunes in the British Isles, while Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna put the Atlantic firmly into the equation. That doesn't necessarily make Ireland's golf better, but it does give many of its standout courses a particularly strong sense of place. The landscape is part of the experience of playing the course. For golfers looking for variety, Scotland has the edge. For those who want their links golf to feel wild and dramatic, Ireland takes the cake. Winner: Ireland Building The Perfect Itinerary For the travelling golfer, the quality of individual courses is only half the equation. The other question is how easily you can string them together. This is one of Scotland's greatest strengths. A St Andrews trip can be built around the Old Course and supplemented by the six other courses at the St Andrews Links complex (New, Jubilee, Castle, Eden, Balgove, and Strathtyrum), alongside Kingsbarns Golf Links and Crail Golfing Society. An East Lothian trip can combine Muirfield with North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar. Further west, the Ayrshire coast offers Turnberry, Royal Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes. Then there is the Highlands, where Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn provide the foundations for another outstanding trip. Ireland has excellent clusters of its own. Dublin and the east coast provide several strong options, while the southwest combines Ballybunion, Lahinch and Waterville. Further north, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush provide the kind of double act that could justify an entire trip. But Scotland gives you more ways to construct the itinerary. You can build a four-day trip around one region or spend a week travelling between some of the game's most famous courses without running out of options. Winner: Scotland The Scenery and Atmosphere Both countries offer more than enough scenery to make the journey worthwhile, but they create very different kinds of golf trips. Scotland has the history and sense of occasion. A day at St Andrews can feel like a pilgrimage, while travelling through East Lothian or Ayrshire takes you between courses that have been part of the game for generations. Ireland's appeal is slightly less about pilgrimage and more about exploration. The best trips often involve following the coastline, travelling between small towns and remote clubs, and arriving at courses where the dunes and sea dominate the view. The golf can feel like part of a wider road trip, with the day's round followed by a trip to the pub to dissect it. Scotland has the stronger sense of golfing history, but Ireland arguably offers the more rounded sense of adventure. Winner: Ireland Value for Money Neither Scotland nor Ireland is a destination for the golfer looking for a bargain-basement holiday. The headline courses can command substantial visitor fees, particularly during the summer, but neither country requires you to play the most expensive courses every day. Scotland's depth is particularly useful, with an enormous range of courses allowing you to mix marquee names with excellent, less expensive links. That depth also means you can build an itinerary around value rather than simply ticking off the most famous names. Ireland competes strongly, particularly if you are prepared to venture beyond its biggest tourist destinations. But Scotland's sheer number of quality options makes it easier to put together a varied trip without paying a premium every day. Winner: Scotland The Verdict For your first links trip, choose Scotland. It has the history, depth, variety and concentration of world-class courses to make almost any itinerary work. The Old Course alone is enough to justify the journey, but Scotland's greatest strength is what comes after it. There are enough outstanding links to turn one trip into several without simply repeating the same experience. Ireland is the destination to choose when you want something a little more adventurous. Its great links are often dramatic, windswept and surrounded by scenery that can be as memorable as the golf itself. Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Ballybunion, Lahinch and Rosapenna form an extraordinary collection, and the wider experience of travelling around the island only adds to the appeal. So Scotland wins the first-trip argument. But once you've made the journey, Ireland won't be far behind on the list.
Scotland's west coast offers unique variety at reasonable prices. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley region combines world-class Open Championship venues with outstanding inland moorland courses designed by legendary architects. The region stretches from Glasgow south to the borders, featuring everything from Trump Turnberry's dramatic coastal holes to hidden moorland gems. The area's main appeal is the price point - championship-quality golf without the premium fees found elsewhere in Scotland. Glasgow Airport serves as the perfect gateway, with courses ranging from immediate airport vicinity options for beating jet lag to must-play venues requiring advance planning. Championship Golf in Glasgow & Clyde Valley Five world-class venues belong on every serious golfer's Scottish itinerary. Trump Turnberry Ailsa dominates the conversation with its dramatic clifftop holes and Open Championship pedigree. The iconic lighthouse backdrop and Bruce's Castle ruins create one of golf's most photographed settings. Prestwick Golf Club holds special significance as the birthplace of the Open Championship. This historic links demands strategic thinking with its blind shots and quirky features that have challenged golfers since 1860. Royal Troon presents the ultimate test of links golf with its demanding Old Course and the infamous Postage Stamp 8th hole. The recent Open Championship venue delivers an unforgettable championship experience. Western Gailes offers a slightly more accessible championship experience. This classic links layout provides excellent conditioning and strategic interest without the premium pricing of its more famous neighbours. Loch Lomond rounds out the premier tier with its stunning Highland setting and impeccable Tom Weiskopf design. Access requires planning and connections. Glasgow's Best Kept Golf Secrets The region's hidden gems showcase exceptional moorland courses that international visitors rarely discover. These offer outstanding value and unique playing experiences. Bonnyton Golf Club represents one of only four Dr. Alister MacKenzie designs in Scotland, featuring the master's signature undulating greens and strategic bunkering. Located within 30 minutes of Glasgow Airport, this hidden treasure costs approximately £80-100 (€95-115/$105-130) and provides an authentic MacKenzie experience without Augusta National's crowds. Ranfurly Castle Golf Club sits just 15-20 minutes from Glasgow towards Gourock, offering exceptional moorland golf in a stunning setting. The course combines strategic interest with beautiful Highland views at roughly £100-120 (€115-140/$130-155). Paisley Golf Club provides immediate airport access - just 5 miles from Glasgow Airport - making it perfect for jet lag rounds or quick golf fixes. This recently elevated Scottish Top 100 entry offers excellent value at approximately £60-80 (€70-95/$80-105) with same-day tee times often available. East Renfrewshire Golf Club and Kilmacolm Golf Club complete the moorland collection, both offering championship-standard conditioning at reasonable green fees around £80-120 (€95-140/$105-155). These courses feature layouts by respected designers on beautiful moorland terrain. Lanark Golf Club provides a recent Scottish Top 100 entry with solid design and stunning countryside views at budget-friendly rates of approximately £50-70 (€60-80/$65-90). Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Glasgow Golf Adventure Day 1 - Arrival: Land at Glasgow Airport, collect rental car, play at Paisley Golf Club for jet lag relief. Overnight in Prestwick for an authentic golf town atmosphere. Day 2 - Championship Links: Morning round at Prestwick Golf Club, afternoon at Western Gailes. Experience golf history and championship-quality links in one day. Evening meal and pints in Prestwick's traditional pubs. Day 3 - Moorland Discovery: Play Bonnyton in the morning for a rare MacKenzie experience, followed by an afternoon at Ranfurly Castle. Both courses offer unique inland Scottish golf within 45 minutes of each other. Day 4 - The Crown Jewel: Full day at Trump Turnberry Ailsa with proper caddie experience. Allow extra time for lunch in the hotel. Consider staying overnight at Trump Turnberry for the complete resort experience. Day 5 - Flexible Options: Royal Troon if booking is secured, or combine East Renfrewshire and Kilmacolm for exceptional moorland golf. End with a celebratory meal in Glasgow before departure. Glasgow Travel Logistics Getting to Glasgow's golf courses proves straightforward compared to more remote Scottish destinations. Glasgow Airport provides the ideal entry point, positioned 30-40 minutes from most courses with excellent rental car facilities. Transportation Strategy: Rental cars provide essential flexibility for course hopping, though many hidden gems sit within 30 minutes of Glasgow Airport. Edinburgh Airport works as an alternative, adding roughly 30 minutes to travel times but offering potentially better international connections. Weather Reality: Scottish weather demands preparation for all seasons, regardless of travel dates. April through June typically provides the most stable conditions, contrary to popular belief that summer months offer better golf weather. Pack layered clothing, including waterproofs, as conditions can shift dramatically during single rounds. Equipment Considerations: Most courses accommodate club rentals, but serious golfers should travel with their equipment. Caddie services are standard at championship venues - budget approximately £100 (€115/$130) including gratuity. Walking remains the predominant culture, though push trolleys are widely available. Cultural Preparation: Championship courses like Prestwick and Royal Troon maintain jacket-and-tie traditions for clubhouse dining, though visitor policies have relaxed slightly. Embracing these traditions enhances the Scottish golf experience. Language and Communication: Standard English throughout, though local golf terminology and accents may be difficult to understand initially. Scots are welcoming to international golfers, particularly those showing a genuine interest in golf heritage. Accommodation for Golf Adventures The region offers options from authentic golf towns to luxury resort experiences. Prestwick works as the optimal base for golf-focused visitors, providing an authentic Scottish golf town atmosphere like St Andrews but without the crowds. The town offers numerous B&Bs, small hotels, and holiday rentals within walking distance of traditional pubs and restaurants. Glasgow accommodation suits visitors wanting metropolitan amenities and cultural experiences beyond golf. The city provides excellent hotel options and easy access to both championship courses and hidden gems, though it adds 30-45 minutes to find golf on a daily basis. Trump Turnberry offers luxury resort accommodation for those prioritising premium amenities. The hotel provides world-class dining and spa facilities. Dundonald Estate provides surprising accommodation with stunning facilities and excellent dining. Many visitors choose Dundonald for luxury accommodation whilst playing elsewhere. Local B&Bs and guesthouses throughout the region offer authentic Scottish hospitality and insider knowledge from hosts who understand golf culture and can provide valuable local recommendations. Glasgow's Culinary Scene The region's dining culture is somewhere between urban sophistication and traditional coastal fare. Premium dining experiences centre around Glasgow, where its reputation has grown significantly, offering international visitors genuine fine dining. Traditional Scottish breakfast features Lorne sausage (square sausage), black pudding, haggis, and potato scones alongside standard breakfast items. Most accommodation providers offer authentic Scottish breakfast options. Coastal communities excel in fresh seafood, particularly around Largs and North Ayrshire, where numerous restaurants specialise in locally caught fish and chips. Prestwick's pub culture deserves special mention, with traditional establishments offering local ales, whisky selections, and hearty pub meals perfect for post-round discussions. The town's golf-centric atmosphere creates natural opportunities for meeting local golfers and sharing course experiences. Ice cream parlours throughout the region provide unexpected treats, with local establishments offering artisanal flavours and traditional Scottish ice cream experiences. Don't miss trying Irn-Bru, Scotland's iconic orange soft drink that outsells Coca-Cola locally. Booking Golf in Glasgow & Clyde Valley Advance planning requirements vary dramatically between championship venues and hidden gems, with booking essential for peak season access to premier courses. Championship courses require 6-12 months advance booking for peak season play (June-August), though shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer better availability with only 2-3 months advance planning needed. Loch Lomond demands connections or corporate access. Hidden gems provide remarkable flexibility, with same-day bookings frequently available except during competition days. Courses like Paisley, Bonnyton, and East Renfrewshire accept walk-up players most days, making them perfect for spontaneous rounds or jet lag relief. Activities for Non-Golfing Partners The region offers compelling attractions for non-golfers, ensuring successful mixed-group travel experiences beyond championship golf courses. Ayr Racecourse provides exceptional entertainment value, hosting prestigious events including the Scottish Grand National and Ayr Gold Cup. Saturday race meetings offer full-day experiences with dining and betting entertainment. Robert Burns Heritage Trail centres around the poet's cottage and birthplace in Alloway, providing cultural immersion into Scotland's national poet's life and works. The Burns Museum and the surrounding countryside offer half-day cultural experiences. Glasgow Cultural Scene delivers world-class museums, galleries, and shopping districts. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Merchant City district, and West End provide full days of urban exploration with dining and entertainment options. Local Football Matches offer authentic Scottish cultural experiences, with several regional teams providing passionate atmospheres that American visitors particularly enjoy. Coastal Exploration includes ferry services to nearby islands, coastal walks, and traditional seaside towns that showcase Scotland's maritime heritage. These activities complement golf-focused itineraries without requiring extensive travel. Insider Local Knowledge Experienced local golfers share crucial insights that can transform visiting experiences from good to exceptional. Weather Timing: April, May, and June typically provide better weather than the peak summer months of July and August, when storms become more frequent. Local records show more rain delays during the traditional peak season than shoulder periods. Airport Strategy: Glasgow Airport's proximity to excellent courses makes it ideal for jet lag golf. Five quality courses within 30 minutes provide immediate options: Paisley (closest at 5 miles), Bonnyton, East Renfrewshire, Kilmacolm, and Ranfurly Castle. Cultural Integration: Embracing jacket-and-tie traditions at historic clubs enhances the complete Scottish golf experience. Prestwick's lunch service and green room atmosphere represent golf culture that's disappearing elsewhere in the world. Architecture Appreciation: The region's moorland courses showcase work by legendary architects, including MacKenzie, MacKenzie Ross, and James Braid. These inland courses offer architectural interest that many international visitors miss by focusing solely on links golf. Value Recognition: Second-tier courses often provide nearly championship-standard experiences at a fraction of premier venue costs, making extended golf holidays more affordable whilst maintaining quality expectations. Budget Planning & Travel Value Understanding realistic costs enables proper trip planning whilst maximising golf experiences within budget constraints. Championship Course Fees: Premier venues range from £200-500 (€230-580/$260-650) per round, with Trump Turnberry commanding top prices. Royal Troon and Prestwick fall in the £250-350 (€290-405/$320-450) range during peak season. Hidden Gem Value: Moorland courses provide exceptional value at £50-120 (€60-140/$65-155) per round, often delivering championship-standard conditioning and design at a fraction of premier venue costs. Total Trip Estimates: Luxury golf holidays including championship courses, quality accommodation, and dining average £300-500 (€350-580/$380-650) per person per day. Mid-range experiences focusing on hidden gems and B&B accommodation run £150-250 (€175-290/$195-320) daily. Money-Saving Strategies: Shoulder season travel (April-May, September-October) reduces green fees by 20-30% whilst often providing better weather conditions. Combining championship venues with hidden gems creates balanced itineraries without premium pricing throughout. Additional Costs: Factor £100 (€115/$130) per caddie, including gratuity at championship venues. The region's strength lies in offering genuine championship golf experiences alongside exceptional value options, creating flexible budget frameworks that accommodate various travel styles without compromising quality expectations.
