Dramatic would perhaps be the best way to describe Royal Troon, which hosted the 1997 Open
Championship. When the wind blows on the Old Course strange things can happen on this classic
undulating links, which is full of bumps and hollows and rated amongst the world's best. Founded
in 1878 by 24 local enthusiasts, the course consisted of only five holes but it rapidly grew in
stature and hosted the Open Championship five times between 1923 and 1989 - and every time there
was high drama. No less so than in 1997 when the world expected the new golfing phenomenon Tiger
Woods to follow up his runaway triumph in the US Masters with something special in Scotland. But
it was another American, Justin Leonard, who took the honours pulling back Swede Jesper Parnevik's
five-shot lead to win by three.
OLD COURSE - 18 holes, 7,079 yards, par 71 (SSS 73). Course record: Greg Norman 64.
PORTLAND COURSE - Resembles moorland course but has the challenges of a links.18 holes, 6,274
yards, par 71 (SSS 71).
Signature hole:
EIGHTH (126 yards, par-3) -- Called the Postage Stamp because when you look down on it from the tee,
the green, only 25 feet across at its widest point, looks no bigger than a postage stamp. It is the
shortest hole in Open Championship golf but also one of the deadliest.
Address:
Telephone:
Visitors:
Green Fees:
Catering:
Facilities:
Location:
Craigend Road, Troon, South Ayrshire KA10 6EP
+44 (0)1292 311555
May not play Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends. Must write in advance, have introductory letter
and handicap certificate of under 20. Ladies and under-18s may play only on the Portland.
£150 per day (includes a round on both courses, morning coffee and lunch).
Full service. Bar.
Trolley hire, putting green, pro shop, practice ground.
Three miles from A77 (Glasgow to Ayr road). Follow signs for Prestwick Airport.
