Royal Troon Old Course

Royal Troon Old Course is one of the Open Championship rota's most demanding tests, with a routing that plays out along the railway line for the front nine and back along the coast for the inward half. The course was designed in 1878, redesigned by Willie Fernie of Troon (a former Open winner) in the 1920s, and has hosted the Open ten times — most recently in 2024.

The 8th hole — the Postage Stamp — is the most photographed par 3 in British golf. A short shot of around 120 yards to a green the size of a postage stamp, surrounded on every side by dunes and bunkers. Every Open Championship at Troon produces a story from this hole. The 11th, played along the railway boundary with out-of-bounds in play from the tee, is the brutal hidden test most visitors don't see coming.

Visitor green fee is £280 in 2026. Two-round combination with the Portland Course (the second course at the property) is £350, and is the way to play. Visitors Monday to Thursday only; no weekends. Handicap certificate required (men 20, women 30). The starter is firm on dress code: collared shirt, tailored trousers, no cargo pockets. Caddies available and recommended for first-timers.