Golf Towns - Troon
BY ED HODGE
6 MINS READ
The fact courses weave their way through the town of Troon from north to south perfectly encapsulates this mini mecca for golf.
Much likes its golfing sibling over in the east of the country – St Andrews – this west coast venue retains an old seaside charm whilst offering modern golfing facilities for the visitor.
Located in Ayrshire, a 40-minute drive from Glasgow and an hour-and-a half from Edinburgh, Troon sits on the Firth of Clyde with wonderful views out to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. With two stations, Troon and Barassie, it is also easy to reach by train and the rail journey down the coast whets the appetite for the golf to come.
The boyhood town for the likes of renowned Scots pair Colin Montgomerie and the broadcaster, Andrew Cotter, their combined passion for a place they used to call home continues to give Troon prominence.
Royal Troon Postage Stamp
The championship links of Royal Troon and its famed history has attracted golfers for decades. Tales of the iconic par-3 ‘Postage Stamp’, measuring just 123 yards, are often the talk of the town. Set to host The Open once more in 2024, it staged a thrilling Open duel between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson in 2016 and welcomed the AIG Women’s Open last year.
The pairing of Stenson and Mickelson over the final 36 holes drew an obvious comparison with the 1977 Open on the same stretch of Ayrshire coast, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus fought their famous 'Duel in the Sun' over an engrossing two days at neighbouring Turnberry.
“Being from Troon – that's my home course; I'm a member of the place and everything,” notes Monty. “It (2016) put Troon on the map, if it wasn't already. We'll talk about that Open for a long, long time.”
Fresh from hosting the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021, won by local player Louise Duncan, Kilmarnock (Barassie) sits just outside of Troon. Another glorious challenge, the club proudly boast a record four GB&I Walker Cup players – Jim Milligan, Gordon Sherry, Jack McDonald and Euan Walker – as if to illustrate its pedigree. The course boasts some of the finest links golf in the country, dating back to 1887.
Barassie Links
Much like St Andrews with its public golf offering, do you know Troon Links is also a collection of excellent courses? Darley, Lochgreen and Fullarton play alongside Royal Troon, Troon Portland and Barassie to form a group of six courses that encircles the town.
The Portland, sitting adjacent to Royal Troon, was named after the Duke of Portland, whose coal mines and docks made Troon rich during the 1800s.
Yet Troon has so much more to offer than just well-manicured fairways… with great hotels, restaurants, festivals and more. The town centre offers a variety of independent cafes, unique gift shops and hosts a regular street market offering fresh local produce.
Why not stop for a bite to eat at The Wee Hurrie, arguably serving the best fresh fish n’ chips in Ayrshire? It’s situated right on the harbour at Troon.
Of those hotels, The Marine Hotel (top right) provides a prime spot overlooking the Royal Troon fairways and is a significant landmark in the town. The Hotel, built in 1894, has recently been upgraded so expect comfort, elegance and the very best in Scottish hospitality for your golfing getaway.
Nearby, Piersland House (bottom right) is a stunning country mansion hotel set in glorious grounds and gardens. Like the golf, it offers a famed history too. The original Piersland Lodge was the home of Sir Alexander Walker, grandson of Johnnie Walker, founder of the internationally famous Scotch whisky firm, Johnnie Walker.
Toasting 18 holes at Royal Troon with a warming whisky in hand? In Scottish golf terms, it’s hard to beat.