The first Open event was played here in 1923. Significantly, in that competition, Gene Sarazen, then in his early twenties, failed to qua1ify and Walter Hagen almost tied with Arthur Haven at the last hole by nearly sinking a bunker shot. Fifty years later, Sarazen came back, then in his early seventies, for the 1973 Open and holed-in-one the notorious par 3, Postage Stamp. The next day he missed the same green, as so many do, but sank his bunker shot for a birdie. Troon has seen many such shots during its seven Open Championships. The first five holes are relatively straight forward, a typical links layout running at sea level with high dunes offering, if there is a wind and there usually is, little protection.

The 6th, at 577 yards, is one of the longest par fives of all Open venues. This was the hole that frustrated Bobby Clampett’s efforts in 1982 when, after luminous opening rounds of 67 and 66, he took an eight here and then watched his game go to pieces. Tom Watson steadily gained ground to take the match. The 8th or Postage Stamp is Troon’s most famous hole. From the tee, looking out to sea, it somehow seems a long way to that little green. For visitors it plays at around 120 yards, the shortest hole on the Open circuit. Nevertheless, in a headwind, the Postage Stamp can call for a three iron. This is a death or glory hole, a birdie opportunity for those that hit and hold the narrow green or a calamity for those that find themselves in one of the five deep, surrounding bunkers. Arnold Palmer scored a seven here in 1973, while one German amateur in competition racked up a confounded 15. We are talking about par three, remember!

It is Royal Troon’s middle holes that provide the course’s potency. The 11th perhaps not as publicised as the 8th, has, through the Open years, seen some fiery action. It is from the Open tee that the character of the hole comes out, a short par five of apparently mild temperament, but, according to Arnold Palmer, "the most dangerous hole I have ever seen".

Troon’s homeward stretch, while for most players remains very testing, some say lacks the character that is present in the middle six holes. The 13th, withoutbunkers, is difficult enough, as is the 15th with its elevated fairway partially causing a blind tee shot and a similarly impeded sight of the green. With the 18th, bunkers form the main hazard. Bear in mind, as you approach it, out of bounds lies just behind it  the green, perhaps, protection for the clubhouse windows.