Royal Troon Championship Links is a prestigious golf course located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is one of the most renowned and historic golf courses in the world and has hosted numerous major golf tournaments, including the Open Championship.
The course was first established in 1878 and was originally known as the Troon Golf Club. It was granted its "Royal" status in 1978 to commemorate its centenary. The course was designed by Charles Hunter and was later modified by several notable golf course architects, including James Braid and Dr. Alister MacKenzie.
Royal Troon is known for its challenging and unpredictable links-style layout, which is characterized by undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and thick rough. The course stretches along the coastline of the Firth of Clyde, offering stunning views of the Ailsa Craig, an iconic volcanic island in the distance.
The most famous hole at Royal Troon is the par-3 8th hole, known as the "Postage Stamp." It is one of the shortest holes in major championship golf but is notoriously difficult due to its small green and treacherous bunkers.
The Open Championship has been held at Royal Troon on several occasions, with the most recent being in 2016 when Henrik Stenson emerged as the champion. The course has also hosted numerous other prestigious golf tournaments, attracting top professional golfers from around the world.
In addition to its championship course, Royal Troon also has a second course called the Portland Course, which was designed by William Fernie in 1895. While the Portland Course is not as famous as the Championship Links, it offers an enjoyable golfing experience for members and visitors.
Overall, Royal Troon Championship Links is a revered golfing destination with a rich history and a challenging layout, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.
