Royal Troon Member Warns Pros, Offers Course Tips

Arnold Palmer’s victory at Royal Troon in 1962 began a streak of American wins on the Ayrshire links.

But in 2016, Henrik Stenson from Sweden broke that streak, and this year’s competition is wide open with players from many countries.

As golfers get ready for Troon, a local member shared insights about the course.

The wet summer has made the rough tougher, so players need to be strategic. The club’s motto “Tam Arte Quam Marte” means skill and strength are both important. The key challenge is navigating holes seven to twelve, especially the famous short eighth hole known as ‘The Postage Stamp.’

A Royal Troon member said: “The Postage Stamp is obviously the big and main one but aside from that, the rough is set to be far more penal this year; it’s juicy as hell.”

Course Changes:

Bunker bases have been flattened and deepened. A few new bunkers were added along with new tees. The course layout includes six holes outwards, a loop of six filled with gorse bushes, then six holes back in.

Fans might think these changes make for an exciting tournament!

Founded in 1878 by golf enthusiasts and designed by George Strath, Royal Troon expanded to 18 holes in 1888. James Braid redesigned it before its first Open in 1923. Now it’s hosting its tenth tournament.

David Leadbetter coached Sir Nick Faldo to three Open championships using careful strategies rather than power play.

Leadbetter advises today’s pros: “You just have to go back to Sir Nick… It is a chess player who wins around there.”

He emphasized planning shots carefully because modern equipment can’t overpower a links course. Hitting fairways and targeting specific green areas will be crucial due to lush rough conditions.

What do you think about these challenges?