Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course Key Information
Expansive skies and breathtaking views out to see are features of the Old Course at Royal Troon. It's an often underrated championship links played in three distinct sections. The run for home is one of the most challenging in all of golf, particularly when the wins is against. It's a historic and traditional club, but you will find it a welcoming one where no detail is left to chance for visiting golfers.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL TROON GOLF CLUB OLD COURSE
– Challenging, classic links course that will test all elements of your game
– A historic venue where the greats have done battle
– Some incredibly famous holes, none more so than the iconic "Postage Stamp" 8th
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 20
A fixture in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I, Royal Troon was the venue for The Open Championship of 2024 won by Xander Schauffele. The event once again showcased the quality of the test posed by the Old course at Troon. The American closed with a 65 to hold off Justin Rose and Billy Horschel. Royal Troon was also host to one of the most exciting Open Championships in recent times when Henrik Stenson outduelled Phil Mickelson in a thrilling final round in 2016. The club also welcomed the the highly memorable AIG Women’s Open in 2020, won by Sophia Popov.
In total, Royal Troon has hosted The Open 10 times. The first of those was back in 1923 when Englishman Arthur Havers was champion. Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson have all triumphed at Troon.
Royal Troon's Old Course is one of the very best links in Scotland.
One of the things I always notice when playing Royal Troon are the huge skies stretching overhead as you forge out along the coast, towards the loop and the iconic "Postage Stamp" 8th hole.
I always think of the course in three clear sections – the first six head out along the coast, generally the wind is behind on those holes and it's over them one needs to build a score. Holes 7 to 12 ask more technical questions as they move back and forth through the dunes. None more so than that wee 8th. Is there a better par-3 anywhere?
As you head for home, the challenge really stiffens, as, generally, does the breeze in your face. It's a great stretch of holes over the last six, playing back to the clubhouse. It's tough enough to really find the best ball strikers as Xander Schauffele and Henrik Stenson proved in 2024 and 2016 respectively.
My synopsis of the Old Course would be it is a natural but subtle layout, with more punch to it than many give it credit for. With views to the Ailsa Craig, Arran and the Kintyre peninsula, it’s a far more striking setting than one might think at first glance.
It’s a layout that demands shot-making and the ability to manipulate ball flight – There’s generally a stiff breeze, so being able to keep the ball down is crucial.
Bunkers are well positioned from the tee and on approach and gorse, rough and out of bounds all threaten at various points.
The club has a great attention to detail and surfaces are extremely well maintained. The greens are always of exceptional quality.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
A stern Open venue where each of the individual elements of the course are very well maintained and well presented. Definition is clear. The Par 4s offer varied challenges, using a mix of hazards and protection, tough tests but not the most aesthetically memorable. The last four present a tough sequence, worthy of an Open venue. There’s a real sense of occasion playing here.
Some strategic course alterations for the 2024 Open, For example, a new pot bunker has been added to the right of the par 5 6th green (to prevent wayward approaches from bouncing down the slope and onto the green) and a much steeper hollow guarding the back left section of the 13th green. The combination of holes 7 & 8 are still one of my favourites in the world of golf! Only the relatively mundane opening 3 holes prevent Troon from being higher in the rankings.
A difficult test, great condition and professional set up. No let up from start to finish if the wind blows. The postage stamp is arguably the best par 3 in the UK. Not as memorable or as striking as other Open venues but most enjoyable from start to finish.
Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course Location
Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near to Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course
Best places to stay near Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course
The Marine Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
a grand building with magnificent views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran, overlooking Royal Troon Golf Course. Bedrooms are all en-suite and there are excellent fitness facilities.
Lochgreen House - Book now online
A luxurious hotel and spa just outside Troon with views over the golf course towards Arran. There's fine dining and opulent accommodation, together with a salubrious spa. If you want somewhere to pamper yourself after a round of golf, this is the place in Troon.
Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course Gallery
Royal Troon Golf Club Old Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 20
- 2023/24 - 17
- 2021/22 - 17
- 2019/20 – 17
- 2017/18 - 20
- 2015/16 - 29
- 2013/14 - 24
- 2011/12 - 24
- 2009/10 - 24
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Royal Troon next host The Open Championship?
Royal Troon last hosted The Open Championship in 2024 when Xander Schauffele was the winner. The previous time Troon welcomed the championship was 2016, before that 2004. It has not been announced yet when Royal Troon will next host The Open but judging by the gaps of 8 years and 14 years between the last three. We can assume Royal Troon should host The Open again sometime between 2032 and 2038.
Why is Troon Called Royal Troon?
Royal Troon was granted its Royal status in 1978 - during the club's centenary year.
