FROM POSTAGE STAMP TO TURNBERRY: THE EXTREMES OF ROYAL TROON AT THE 152ND OPEN

The 152nd Open Championship, the oldest and most prestigious tournament in golf, will take place at the iconic Royal Troon Golf Club from July 18 to 21. As the year's final major, this historic event promises a week filled with thrilling competition and memorable moments on one of the world's most challenging courses and connects you to the sport's rich legacy.

Royal Troon (par 71), a venue hosting The Open for the tenth time, has seen several great champions such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Bobby Locke, Justin Leonard, and most recently, Henrik Stenson in 2016. This year's The Open promises to be just as thrilling with a star-studded lineup that includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka, and Collin Morikawa. And, of course, Tiger Woods. We can't wait to see what this edition has in store!

Royal Troon?extremes

Royal Troon, a Scottish course steeped in history and tradition, is a treasure trove of secrets and stories that have shaped its legendary status. The course boasts two particularly notable holes among its many renowned features: the sixth and the eighth. Each offers a unique challenge and a distinct place in the Open Championship history, promising an intriguing and exciting experience for all.

At 601 yards, the sixth hole at Royal Troon is the longest in Open Championship history. It demands precision and power from the tee, with an arrow-straight drive needed to land between fairway bunkers on both sides. The second shot, typically with a fairway wood, must be aimed slightly left to avoid the right-side bunker, setting up a soft pitch to a narrow green framed by picturesque sand dunes.

The eighth hole, the "Postage Stamp," is the shortest in Open Championship history, measuring just 123 yards. And from the front tee to a short flag, it's just 99 yards. Originally called "Ailsa" for its perfect view of the rocky islet of that name, it earned its current moniker when William Park described the green as "a pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a postage stamp" in Golf Illustrated. The tee shot is played from high ground over a gully to a long, narrow green set into a sandhill. Bunkers on the left and a large crater bunker guarding the approach add to the challenge, making accuracy paramount. Over the years, this tiny target has been the downfall of many top players, underscoring its reputation as a deceptively tricky hole.

As the world's best golfers gather at Royal Troon, Tee Times Golf Agency extends its best wishes to all participants and spectators. We hope you enjoy a spectacular week of golf at the year's final major. May the players find inspiration in the rich history of this remarkable course, and may the fans revel in the excitement and beauty of the game.

Photos by: Royal Troon.