Contact us Email
Royal Troon golf course with blue skies
Home > Scotland > Ayrshire Tour > Royal Troon

Royal Troon Golf Club

Troon, Scotland

Colin Montgomerie’s father dedicated over 60 years of his life to playing and serving Royal Troon in Scotland. He was incredibly passionate about the links – believing it should be ranked among the greats on any Scottish Golf Tour.

A must on any Ayrshire Golf Trip, the list of Open Championship winners at Royal Troon Golf Club is a ‘who’s who’ of golf – including Arnold Palmer, Bobby Locke, Tom Weiskopf, and Henrik Stenson. And we can expect another fine tournament when the 152nd Open is contested across Royal Troon’s Old Course in July 2024.

Course Details

Tropy Icon
Open Rota Course
Small Club Icon
Range of tees from 6,108 – 7,208 yards
Small Golf Ball Icon
Designed by George Strath, Willie Fernie & James Braid
Small Calendar Icon
Founded in 1878
Map Icon
Ideal Location for an Ayrshire Tour
Royal Troon Dunes, Ayrshire, Scotland

Royal Troon History & Golf Courses

Stenson’s victory, shooting 63 over Phil Mickelson’s 65 in the final round of The Open in 2016 was a classic for the ages, battling Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus’ “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry, for the best final round in modern Open Championship history. 

Colin Montgomerie, having the honor of hitting the opening tee shot in 2016, himself gave his father and the crowds at Royal Troon that year a thrill when he led The Open after his first nine holes at 3 under before relinquishing the lead with a bogie at No. 11. Expect another win for the ages when the 152nd Open is contested across Royal Troon’s storied Old Course in July 2024.

Tam Arte Quam Marte – as much by skill as by strength – is the Club’s motto and is indicative of how to play the course for the best score. Gene Sarazen, himself an Open Championship winner, famously made a hole-in-one on the infamous Postage Stamp hole at 71, playing in the 1973 Open.

With Royal Troon Golf Club founded in 1878, another classic hole on Royal Troon is the 405-yad, par 4, 7th. It was named “Tel-El-Kebir” after an epic 1882 battle in Egypt between the British and Egyptian military, where like in real warfare, it requires the golfer to attack with military precision in order to reap the rewards of a good score.

The second Troon golf course, Portland, makes this famous Scotland golf venue a strong 36-hole day of Ayrshire golf. Conveniently located within walking distance of several quality accommodations including The Marine Troon and Piersland House, the former home of Johnnie Walker.

The short 124-yard, par 3 hole, known as the “Wee Beastie” is home to the devilish “Coffin” bunker where Rory McIlroy took 6 shots to get out of jail in his practice round. If you miss the green not only “The Coffin” but 4 other deep bunkers are positioned around the green to swallow your ball.

Location

royal troon golf club

Experience championship history at Royal Troon

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon Golf Club is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious courses, celebrated for its unique design and challenging layout. As one of the most revered Open Championship locations, it last hosted the event in 2024. The course is celebrated for its quirky greens and long, unpredictable holes, with the famous Postage Stamp being one of its standout features. 

Located just 45 minutes from Glasgow, this links course offers stunning views of the Firth of Clyde, framed by rolling sand dunes. Its Royal status, granted in 1978, cements its legacy as one of Scotland’s finest golfing experiences.

The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon

The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon Golf Club

At just 126 yards, the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon is one of the most iconic short par 3s in the world. From an elevated tee, golfers must carry the rugged dunes and land on a narrow, pear-shaped green. The breathtaking backdrop of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran adds to the allure of this challenging hole.

Originally named “Ailsa” for the nearby rocky islet, it earned its nickname due to its tiny green, famously described by Willie Park Jr. as being “skinned down to the size of a postage stamp.” With deep bunkers guarding both sides, precision is key, and many top players have fallen victim to its challenge. Undoubtedly, this hole will be a highlight of your golfing trip to Scotland.

Interesting Facts About Royal Troon Golf Club

Turnberry Bedroom

Best accommodation for golf at Royal Troon Golf Club

You can never go wrong staying at the Trump Turnberry on your Ayrshire golf Tour. The hotel itself is luxurious, with spacious rooms overlooking the sea, amazing dining, and a relaxing spa to unwind after a long day on the course.

If you are feeling adventurous, stay in the two-bedroom suite at The Turnberry Lighthouse that overlooks the ruins of King Robert the Bruce’s Castle

“The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon may be short at just 123 yards, but it demands precision. Wind is a constant factor, so club selection and ball flight control are critical. Aim for the center of the tiny green. Don’t chase flags, especially with the deep “Coffin” bunker guarding the front left. A miss to the right is usually safest. Stay mentally focused, respect the hole, and play a controlled shot rather than trying to be too aggressive.”
Tips from our expert, Euan Findlay
Lighthouse on the cliffs at Tump Turnberry

Take an Ayrshire Golf Tour

Experience a variety of Open Rota courses, including Prestwick, the birthplace of the Open Championship in 1960 and Royal Troon.

The newly refurbished Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry offers 14 particularly stunning holes along the coastline.

8 nights 5* accommodation and 7 rounds of golf

Prices starting from $9,887 per golfer

Inquire now

Please fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.

"*" indicates required fields

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Newsletter consent
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Royal Troon FAQs

The Royal Troon Golf Club has two courses; the Old Course and the Portland Course. The Old Course is the main course and hosts the Open Championship. The Portland Course is shorter and less challenging, but a fine test nonetheless.

The prices may vary depending on the time of year. However, you can get a definitive fee by calling ahead and booking one. Our packages can be customized to include caddies for a smoother golf tour.

Troon is called the Royal Troon because it received a royal designation from King George V in 1923. Troon, the name of the town, reportedly originates from from a Brythonic or Pictish name, likely derived from the Welsh trwyn (nose, cape).

Premier Golf offers Ayrshire tours that can include golf at Royal Troon in your package. We can arrange the best tee times to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.

Premier Golf’s Ayrshire Tours can include a tee time at Royal Troon in addition to caddies, transfers, accommodations, taxes, and driver gratuities, among other add-ons.

Royal Troon will host The Open in 2024, marking the 10th time it has hosted the Championship.