Destination Golf Scotland 2019 * | Page 21

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 19