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Royal Troon – credit VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
Royal Troon
Few will forget Henrik Stenson’s remarkable win here last year.
It showed off the brilliance of Royal Troon… and it certainly
reintroduced the golf world to the Postage Stamp, the shortest
hole on the Open rota. Set right against the seashore, with the
Isle of Arran a constant companion, the opening salvo of holes
plays above the beach. These are the gentler holes – a warm up,
if you will – before the dunes begin to expand. Finding your way
between them and the bunkers calls for intelligent play. The par
four 7th is a beauty and, from the tee, you can start plotting how
to play the infamous Postage Stamp, which is in full view. Holes
10 and 11, beside the railway line, are exceptionally tough and
show how the terrain has been used to wonderful effect. Keep
an eye out for the Professionals’ tee on the 10th.
Southerness
For a par of 69, with five par threes (two over 200 yards) and one
par five, this 6,566 yard course will test the best. The middle tees are
more manageable at 6,110 yards. This links dates back to the 1940s
and, in addition to the traditional links challenges of wind, swales
and slopes – you’ll encounter heather and gorse to snatch your ball.
Views are endless – the mountains in the Lake District are clearly
visible as is the Isle of Man – and you get very cosy with the shore
on several holes, starting on the 8th. Here the dunes ensure the
most traditional of links-like traits, and the par four 12th, also beside
the water, is the signature hole. Greens are, in a word, slick.
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Shiskine
The experience of Shiskine starts with the ferry trip to the Isle of
Arran, an inspiring trip from the Ayrshire mainland. Then there’s the
12 holes… and the claim that this is the best 12-hole course in the
world! It is certainly one of the most beautiful you will play with
views spilling across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Mull of Kintyre.
The golfing test comes in all shapes and sizes with links holes moving
over rollercoaster terrain. Two burns also interrupt proceedings. In
all, there are seven blind shots so expect a riotous day’s golf as you
head up and down… and get shaken side-to-side on occasion. And,
with 12 holes, what better opportunity to play two rounds with an
enjoyable pause for lunch.
Stranraer
If you’re a fan of James Braid’s designs then Stranraer should hold
a particular attraction. It was the last course he designed and it
opened for play in 1952. The course sits on the shores of Loch Ryan
and views over the loch and out to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran
all add to the occasion of playing this highly regarded parkland. Set
up high and with a smart layout, visitors will find plenty of gorse and
dense stands of trees (especially on the back nine) to trouble them.
This is a stern test of golf, epitomised by the glorious par four 5th:
from a high tee you drive down to the loch with no forgiveness if
you miss the fairway. It is little surprise that the hole is regarded as
one of the toughest – and best – in Scotland.