Though a relative latecomer to the Open Championship circuit, the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club has played host to the British Open nine times, producing champions like Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia and more recently Henrik Stenson. A classic links course in every respect, the golfer is eased into the challenge with each hole appearing to get progressively tougher. Running straight out and back along the coast, Troon often changes dramatically from front nine to back.

 

Narrow fairways lined with trouble make tee shots critical, its bunkers are punishing and Troon's small greens require touch and imagination. Though boasting many superb holes, there can be little argument about Troon's most famous hole. At 126 yards, the par 3 eighth "The Postage Stamp" may be the shortest hole in British Open golf but it has certainly notched up its fair share of victims. The severely trapped green borne witness to a triple bogey by Tiger in 1997 and an amazing 15 by Bobby in 1950. A 'must have' on any golf itinerary to the west coast of Scotland.