Troon today is a sleepy little seaport on the west coast of Scotland that, but for its links to the master game, would have remained no more than just a spot on the map where nothing much ever happens. But the town is home to one of the finest of Scotland’s Golf Courses, Royal Troon, where golf here is not just a game; it’s a way of life. Not one, not even two, but six golf courses surround the town. Royal Troon Golf Club has just two of them. The others include Kilmarnock (Barassie) Club and three municipal links courses, of which two are of championship standard.
Royal Troon Golf Club is yet another of those famous Scottish golf courses where its links to the game are lost in the mists of time. The club was officially founded in 1878. Back then the course had but five holes. It wasn’t until 1886 that it was extended to a full 18 holes. The first Open Championship to be played over the course was in 1923.
Troon's connections with golf date back to the founding of the Royal Troon Golf Club in 1878. Originally constructed with just 5 holes, it was extended in 1886 to 18 holes that measured slightly more than three miles, about 5,500 yards. Today the course measures more than 7,000 yards. The first Open Championship at Royal Troon was played in 1923 and was won by Arther Havers. He was followed by Bobby Locke in 1950, Arnold Palmer in 1962, Tom Weiskopf 1973, Tom Watson 1982, Mark Calcavecchia 1989, Justin Leonard 1997, and Todd Hamilton in 2004. That’s quite a history.
Visitors are allowed to play both courses on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays only beginning May 1st through October 25th.
Gentlemen must have a registered handicap of 20 or better; ladies 30 or better.
Jackets and ties are required in the dinning room and in smoke room. Jeans, shorts and tee shirts are not allowed in the club house or on the courses. Persons under the age of 16 are not allowed in the clubhouse.
There are two composite green fees. Both include morning coffee and lunch. For 220 pounds you can play one round on both the Old Course and the Portland. For 120 pounds you can play two rounds on the Portland Course. A deposit of 110 pounds per player is required to book a tee time. A the time of writing the exchange rate was $1.95 to the pound. Persons under the age of 16 are allowed to play only the Portland Course.
Caddies are available at a rate of 35 pounds per round.
Just 35 miles south of Glasgow, Royal Troon is located on the south side of the town of Troon only four miles from Prestwick Airport.
Other Scottish Golf Courses in the close vicinity include:
