The Complete Guide to Royal Troon Golf Club

History of Royal Troon Golf Club

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon Golf Club began as a modest 6-hole course that meandered over a tract of vacant farmland. Over the coming decades, it expanded to 18 holes under the guidance of golf course designer Willie Fernie, who also served as the club's first professional.

In 1923, Royal Troon hosted The Open Championship for the first time, continuing the tournament's enduring legacy on the west coast of Scotland. Over the years, Royal Troon has seen many legendary moments and champions, including Arnold Palmer's memorable victory in 1962 and the previously mentioned "Duel at Troon."

In addition to its place on The Open rota, Royal Troon is also the only club in Great Britain to have been granted Royal status during the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The club received its Royal designation from the late Queen in 1978.

Notable Holes & Features

The Postage Stamp

Originally known as “Ailsa” thanks to its inspiring view of the same rocky craig of Turnberry fame, it was Willie Park, Jr. who described it as “A pitching surface scaled down to the size of a postage stamp.”

At just 123 yards, it is the shortest hole in The Open rota, yet the one that garners much of the anticipation before a round at Royal Troon. The proposition, however, is actually quite simple: find the green, or pay the price.

The Railway

The 11th consistently plays as the toughest hole when The Open comes to Royal Troon, and one of the hardest in all of major championship golf. As the name suggests, this par-4 is bordered on its right side by the Glasgow-Ayr railway. Down the left is a layer of impenetrable gorse. Toss in the prevailing wind - which is naturally into our face - and anything less than bogey or better feels like winning the Claret Jug.

Additional Highlights

The Clubhouse

A far cry from the 300 square foot wooden shack the club utilized in the 1870s, the clubhouse at Royal Troon is among the best in Great Britain & Ireland. Whether it’s a brief stroll of the Trophy Corridor or enjoying a post-round beverage and the view from the Ailsa Room, to leave without spending at least a few minutes in its confines would be an opportunity missed.

The Portland

Conventional thinking might assume that a club’s primary course would have the big name architect attached to it, while credit for the “relief” 18 may go to the relatively unknown club professional. At Royal Troon, the exact opposite is the case.

Although Willie Fernie - Troon’s longtime head professional - is largely responsible for the main course at Royal Troon, the lesser known Portland course was redesigned in the 1920’s by none other than Dr. Alister MacKenzie.

The Portland may be less heralded than most MacKenzie designs, but we think it’s a fine choice for an Emergency 18 after a round on the “big” course next door. It also happens to be one of the few Alister MacKenzie courses you can play across the pond.

Sunset over The Portland Course - Courtesy of Royal Troon.

The Good Life

When it comes to the Good Life, nearby Turnberry leads the way in this part of Scotland, but the Troon area is not without its options for those looking to stay, sip, and savor.

The Marine Troon recently emerged from a head-to-toe renovation as part of its entry into the Marine & Lawn family of hotels. In addition to the Good Life at The Marine, its location adjacent the 18th fairway at Royal Troon is impossible to top.

For cuisine, Scott’s Troon is where fresh seafood and hand-crafted libations pair perfectly with a stunning view over Troon Yacht Haven. The combination is best enjoyed while the famous Ayrshire sunset fades over the harbor.

The Marine Hotel and Royal Troon Clubhouse - Courtesy of Marine & Lawn

The Birthplace of The Open

A short par-5 from the 10th tee at Royal Troon lies the host of the first 12 Open Championships and 24 in total. For some, Prestwick Golf Club is as quirky as its history is rich, yet no visit to the Ayrshire coast is complete without a round here.

While the inward-9 at Royal Troon may leave you battered and bruised, the stroll around Prestwick is a delightful journey through golf the way Old Tom intended it.

Royal Troon FAQs

Royal Troon Tee Times

Royal Troon tee times generally become available in April of the year prior to play. The club offers visitor tee times on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

As one of the most popular golf courses in Scotland, the peak summer dates usually fill up quickly.

If you’re hoping to play Royal Troon as part of a golf trip to Scotland, we suggest beginning the planning process around January of February of the year prior to your trip.

Royal Troon Location

Royal Troon is located in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland, approximately 45 minutes south of Glasgow.

Courses to Play Nearby

The golf-rich Ayrshire region could easily fill a week-long Scotland golf trip.

In addition to Royal Troon, rounds at nearby Prestwick, Western Gailes, and Turnberry are essential for any itinerary. There are also several lesser-known courses in the area that are worthy of a stop.

Royal Troon Caddies

Caddies are available at Royal Troon and you we always recommend having one by your side.

The cost is the club’s prevailing caddie fee plus a recommended gratuity of £20-£30.

When the day is done, your scorecard will probably thank you.

From the exceptional clubhouse and rich history to the Postage Stamp and Railway, we trust that your round at Royal Troon Golf Club will be an unforgettable one.