Old Course at Royal Troon
Few will forget Henrik Stenson’s remarkable
win here in 2016. 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. It doesn’t let up with holes 10 and 11, beside the railway
line, proving exceptionally tough and showing how the terrain
has been used to wonderful effect. (Keep an eye out for the
Professionals’ tee on the 10th – it is a long way from that of mere
mortals). The run for home sees more of the beguiling subtleties
that makes links golf so bewitching and the final drive at the
clubhouse is a perfect sign-off.
www.royaltroon.com
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