Located on the Ayrshire coastline in South West Scotland, Royal Troon Golf Club is one of the most celebrated links courses in the world. Founded in 1878, it has become synonymous with championship golf, testing some of the greatest players in the game across its historic fairways.
Renowned for its traditional links architecture, challenging coastal conditions and the legendary Postage Stamp, Royal Troon is an essential addition to any Scottish golf itinerary.
Royal Troon was established in 1878, beginning as a modest six-hole course before expanding to 18 holes in 1884. The Old Course was later refined by Open Champion Willie Fernie and further strengthened by five-time Champion Golfer James Braid ahead of its first Open Championship in 1923.
The inaugural Open at Troon was won by England's Arthur Havers, who famously secured victory with a bunker shot at the final hole. Since then, Royal Troon has welcomed The Open on ten occasions, with the 152nd Championship taking place in 2024.
Its championship history includes some of golf's most memorable moments, from Arnold Palmer's victory in 1962 to Tom Watson's triumph in 1982 and Henrik Stenson's remarkable duel with Phil Mickelson in 2016.
Royal Troon has also enjoyed a remarkable connection with American golf. Six American players won consecutive Open Championships at the club between 1962 and 2004: Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia, Justin Leonard and Todd Hamilton.
Perhaps no hole at Royal Troon is more famous than the eighth, affectionately known as the Postage Stamp. Measuring just 123 yards from the championship tee, it is one of the shortest holes on The Open rota, yet remains one of the most intimidating.
Designed by Willie Fernie, the hole features a small, narrow green set into a natural sandhill, protected by deep bunkers. The elevated tee and exposed coastal conditions demand exceptional accuracy and touch, with even the world's best golfers capable of finding trouble.
Its reputation extends far beyond its length. The Postage Stamp is widely regarded as one of the greatest par-three holes in golf, demonstrating that a short hole can provide one of the game's toughest challenges.
Playing Royal Troon is an opportunity to experience one of the defining venues in championship golf. The traditional out-and-back links layout offers a varied test, with a more forgiving opening stretch giving way to a demanding back nine.
Beyond the Postage Stamp, the famous 11th hole, known as Railway, presents a formidable challenge, with the railway line running alongside the narrow fairway. Changing coastal winds, strategic bunkering and natural links terrain ensure that every round requires precision, imagination and sound course management.
For golfers seeking the very best of Scottish links golf, Royal Troon is a genuine must-play. Its rich Open Championship heritage, iconic holes and exceptional setting make it an unforgettable part of a journey through Ayrshire.
At Gorse & Thistle, we create bespoke Scottish golf journeys combining celebrated championship courses, exceptional accommodation, private transportation and carefully curated experiences. Royal Troon can be incorporated into a wider Ayrshire itinerary or a tailor-made tour exploring Scotland's most iconic links.
Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878. The original six-hole course was gradually expanded, becoming an 18-hole layout in 1884.
Royal Troon first hosted The Open Championship in 1923. The tournament was won by Arthur Havers, who defeated defending champion Walter Hagen by one stroke.
Royal Troon has hosted The Open Championship ten times. The most recent was the 152nd Open in 2024, when Xander Schauffele claimed the Claret Jug.
The Postage Stamp is Royal Troon's famous eighth hole, a short par three measuring 123 yards from the championship tee. Known for its exceptionally small green and deep surrounding bunkers, it is considered one of the most iconic par-three holes in golf.
Six American golfers won consecutive Open Championships at Royal Troon between 1962 and 2004: Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia, Justin Leonard and Todd Hamilton.
Absolutely. With its championship history, iconic Postage Stamp and challenging traditional links layout, Royal Troon is one of Scotland's essential golfing experiences and a highlight of any Ayrshire golf tour.
Yes. Gorse & Thistle can incorporate Royal Troon into a tailor-made Scottish golf journey, combining championship links courses with luxury accommodation, private transportation and exceptional experiences across Scotland.