Our guide to Royal Troon and the 2016 Open

With the Open Championship returning once again to Royal Troon, we take a closer look at this course’s history and its connection with the competition.

The infamous ‘Postage Stamp’ green. Rebecca Naden/PA Archive

Scotland has a number of world class golf courses – and Royal Troon is among the best of them. This links course gained its Royal title in 1978, but has been among the best in the world for some time. This is partly down to its stunning views but also how it plays, from the well-hidden bunkers to the infamous ‘Postage Stamp’ green – one of the smallest on the Open circuit.

A historic course

While now classed as one of the world’s greatest, Troon started off more modestly. In 1878, a bunch of locals gathered at their pub to discuss plans for a golf course. The result was a simple 5-hole design.

But since then it has grown, thanks in part to the fact the land it was built on was owned by the Dukes of Portland. The various Dukes were happy for the course to stay and some went as far as to get involved in the running of the club.

It was extended in 1886 to 12, then 18 holes and got its first clubhouse not long after. The 18-hole course, designed and built by George Strath, remains much the same today as it did over 130 years ago.

Nearly a decade after its creation, Open champion Willie Fernie arrived to improve things. Over a massive 37 year-long tenure at the club, Willie brought in a number of iconic design features including the ‘Postage Stamp’ green and the long railway holes.

By 1900, the club had over 700 members and was hosting professional and amateur matches on a regular basis. And in 1904, the club’s first Ladies' Championship was held and won by Lottie Dod, a 5-time Wimbledon Ladies Tennis Champion.

Will Jordan Spieth bring victory for the US again. Lynne Cameron/PA Wire.

Troon and The Open

Troon has a long and illustrious history with The Open - especially if you’re an American. Since it was first hosted in Troon in 1923, US golfers have won 6 of the 8 events. In fact, there hasn’t been a non-US winner since South Africa’s Bobby Locke was triumphant back in 1950. The only winner from Britain was even further back at the first Troon event in 1923, when England’s Arthur Havers was victorious.

The 1923 event was an interesting one, as it was only moved to Troon after the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers turned their noses up at the thought of using their local course at Muirfield.

In 1950, Bobby Locke retained his Open crown and set a new record, with a score of 279. Arnold Palmer also retained his Open title in 1962, in the event that saw the debut of one Jack Nicklaus.

Justin Leonard swings to victory in 1997. Photo by Chris

The Troon Opens have seen a few one-time winners, including Tom Weiskopf in 1973, Mark Calcavecchia in 1989, and Justin Leonard in 1997. Leonard managed to win after being five strokes behind after 54 holes.

In 1982, Tom Watson won his fourth, while Todd Hamilton became the 6^th consecutive America to win at Troon in 2004.

This year, it’s difficult to call. Though with America’s Jordan Spieth currently sitting atop the world rankings, the US could be in 7^th heaven this year – unless McIlroy brings his best.