Royal Troon Golf Course is famously located in the coastal town of Troon, South Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland. This guide will not only give you the simple answer but will also provide a player's perspective on the course, some coaching tips for its legendary holes, and what you need to know if you plan to visit this historic Open Championship venue.
While the straightforward answer is Troon, Scotland, understanding its location is part of appreciating why the course is so special. Troon is a seaside town situated in South Ayrshire, looking out over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. This stunning coastal setting is the source of the course's primary defense: the wind.
The course is conveniently located for international visitors. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and about a 45-minute drive from Glasgow International Airport (GLA). Its accessibility, combined with its championship pedigree, makes it a centerpiece of what's often called the "Ayrshire Golf Coast," one of the most densely packed regions of world-class links golf anywhere.
Royal Troon Golf Club was founded in 1878. Initially, it consisted of just five holes, but it quickly expanded. In 1923, it hosted its first Open Championship, won by Arthur Havers. This cemented its status as one of golf's premier tests. Perhaps the most significant testament to its stature came in its centenary year, 1978, when it was granted a "Royal" charter by Queen Elizabeth II, officially becoming Royal Troon Golf Club.
The club has been a staple of The Open rota ever since, creating unforgettable moments and crowning legendary champions like Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Henrik Stenson, who won a spectacular duel against Phil Mickelson here in 2016. The rich history is palpable from the moment you arrive, you're not just playing a golf course, you're walking on ground where the giants of the game have battled for Claret Jug.
As a golf coach, I emphasize that courses like Royal Troon are strategic puzzles. Brute force alone will not work. It's a classic out-and-in links design, which means the first nine holes typically play downwind as you head away from the clubhouse, and the back nine play directly into the prevailing wind as you come home. This creates a tale of two nines: one where you might feel like a hero, and another that will ask tough questions of your game.
The first few holes at Troon lull you into a false sense of security. They are relatively straightforward, running parallel to the sea with the wind often at your back. The key here is to score well but not get complacent. My advice to players is simple: make your hay while the sun shines. Be aggressive where you can, but don't take undue risks. Use the helping wind to your advantage, but remember every birdie you make here is insurance against the bogeys waiting on the back nine.
Amidst this magnificent layout are two holes that are known by golfers everywhere, even those who have never set foot in Scotland. They represent the brilliance of classic golf course design, testing both skill and nerve.
This is arguably the most famous short par-3 in golf. At just 123 yards, it seems unassuming on the scorecard, but it's pure terror in person. The green is incredibly narrow and perched up, surrounded by some of the most penal hazards you'll ever find. To the left is the notorious "Coffin Bunker," a deep, narrow sand trap where a good score goes to die. Any shot missed long or right will tumble down a steep embankment.
Coach's Playing Tip: Forget the pin. I cannot state this enough. Your one and only goal is to find the center of that green. It's a tiny target, so hitting it is an achievement in itself. Take a club that you know will carry the front bunker but won't fly the green. For many, that's a simple 9-iron or a pitching wedge. Commit to your shot, hit it high, and accept your two-putt par. A par here feels like a birdie anywhere else, and walking off with a 3 is a major victory.
After the relief of the Postage Stamp, you turn back into the wind and eventually face one of the toughest par-4s in championship golf. The 11th greets you with a completely blind tee shot over a wall of gorse. Down the entire right side of the hole runs the Glasgow to Ayr railway line, separated from the fairway by a stone wall that is unequivocally out of bounds.
Coach's Playing Tip: This tee shot demands commitment. There is a aiming post in the distance, your job is to trust it. The biggest mistake players make is bailing out too far to the left, which brings even worse gorse bushes and trouble into play. The real danger here isn't going out of bounds right - it's the massive overcorrection to the left. Take the club you know you can hit straight, aim for the post, and make a confident swing. Once you're in the fairway, you're faced with a long approach to a well-bunkered green. A bogey is not a bad score here, it's a hole to be survived, not conquered.
A round at Royal Troon is a bucket-list experience for any serious golfer. If you're fortunate enough to plan a trip, here's some practical information to help you along.
Like most prestigious private clubs, Royal Troon sets aside limited visitor times. These are typically available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. You will need to book well in advance, often up to a year or more. A handicap certificate is required, with maximums of 20 for men and 30 for women. It's an investment, but one that pays off in memories that last a lifetime.
Do not make the mistake of only playing Troon. You are standing in a golfer's paradise. Just next door is Prestwick Golf Club, the birthplace of The Open Championship, which offers an unbelievable walk through golf's origins. A short drive south takes you to the stunning Trump Turnberry and its Ailsa course, another Open venue with an iconic lighthouse. For links purists, Western Gailes and Glasgow Gailes are also nearby and offer an equally authentic Scottish golf experience.
The town of Troon itself has a number of charming hotels and B&Bs, such as The Marine Hotel, which overlooks the golf course. The larger nearby town of Ayr offers more options for accommodation, dining, and pubs. Beyond golf, Ayrshire is Robert Burns Country, and you can visit the poet's birthplace and museum in Alloway. The coastline is beautiful, and the Isle of Arran is just a ferry ride away for a day trip of hiking and exploring.
So, Royal Troon Golf Club is in Troon, Scotland, a town whose identity is woven together with the course itself. It's a true test of links golf that demands thoughtful strategy, precise ball-striking, and a healthy respect for the history and the challenging conditions the coast provides.
Playing a course with so much strategy can be daunting on your own. When you're facing blind tee shots or trying to pick the right club into a stiff wind, having smart advice is a game-changer. That's why we built Caddie AI. Our app acts as your personal on-course expert, giving you strategic advice for any hole and helping you navigate tough situations, whether you’re standing on the 11th tee at Troon or playing your weekend round at home. We give you that second opinion in your pocket, taking the guesswork out so you can play with more confidence.
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