[Niall C]

I was at a golf club dinner last night and the chat was that the Open venue for 2016 will be Royal Troon. Not confirmed yet but apparently the Marine Hotel is already booked out for a certain week in July 2016. As a "local" and a fan of the course, I certainly hope its true.

Niall

[Anthony Gray]

 Snuck on and played the postage stamp once.

[Jeff Taylor]

My favorite of the Scotland courses.

[Mark Pearce]

My favorite of the Scotland courses.

Really?  That's a view that not many on here would share, I think, so I'd love to know why you prefer Troon and which of the other Scottish courses you have played.  I have never played Troon, an omission which is due to be corrected in a few weeks time and would love to hear from a fan of the course, which seems to have a fair number of detractors on here.

[Shane Wright]

My favorite of the Scotland courses.

I'd also love to hear your reasons why.  Better than Royal Dornoch, Muirfield, and the Old Course?  It would be fascinating to hear your reasons why.  Thanks

[Niall C]

Jeff

Mark and Shane beat me to it. I suspect they don't agree with your choice and while I'm not sure I'd put it top of the pile in Scotland, indeed I'm sure I wouldn't, I do think its a much better than the groupthink on GCA gives it credit for, so very much interested to hear what a fellow support likes about it.

Niall

[Mark Pearce]

Niall,

Having never played there, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing.  I will say that if I prefer it to Muirfield, TOC, Prestwick or Dornoch then I shall be very impressed indeed.

Mark

[Jeff Taylor]

I have played:
The Old Course
New Course
North Berwick
Muirfield
Carnoustie
Turnberry
Glen Eagles Kings
Kingsbarns
Castle Course

Can't comment on Royal Dornoch

I enjoyed all of these courses for different reasons. Probably had the most fun at North Berwick. Felt the most goose bumps at The Old Course. Loved the terrain at Glen Eagles.
I wish I could describe what it felt like walking the Old Course at Troon. Playing #7 with the specter of #8 just to the right. Landing my approach to #10 20 yards short of the green to keep it from bouncing over. The railroad tracks right of #11. It all came together for me there. Those who wanted a detailed discussion of architectural features will be disappointed with my response. Maybe I should not have made the original post. However, I will never forget how I felt that day. Here's hoping it happens for you, wherever it may be.

[Eric Smith]

I have played:
The Old Course
New Course
North Berwick
Muirfield
Carnoustie
Turnberry
Glen Eagles Kings
Kingsbarns
Castle Course

Can't comment on Royal Dornoch

I enjoyed all of these courses for different reasons. Probably had the most fun at North Berwick. Felt the most goose bumps at The Old Course. Loved the terrain at Glen Eagles.
I wish I could describe what it felt like walking the Old Course at Troon. Playing #7 with the specter of #8 just to the right. Landing my approach to #10 20 yards short of the green to keep it from bouncing over. The railroad tracks right of #11. It all came together for me there. Those who wanted a detailed discussion of architectural features will be disappointed with my response. Maybe I should not have made the original post. However, I will never forget how I felt that day. Here's hoping it happens for you, wherever it may be.

Jeff,

You most certainly should have made the post and I'm glad you did. I'll be near there in September and may ask the driver to pull off the road for a quick game.

[Niall C]

Well said Eric.

Jeff

I agree with you totally, the far end of the course is a wonderful bit of golfing country. I think those that don't particularly like the course think the holes nearest the clubhouse are a bit drab. Certainly Troon doesn't have the aesthetic attractions as other courses but tee to green there's not a bad hole and the turf is wonderful. Indeed I may say that the stretch of half a dozen holes at the start of the round is my favourite.

They're certainly holes that appeal more the more you play them.

Niall

[Eric Smith]

Well said Eric.

Jeff

I agree with you totally, the far end of the course is a wonderful bit of golfing country. I think those that don't particularly like the course think the holes nearest the clubhouse are a bit drab. Certainly Troon doesn't have the aesthetic attractions as other courses but tee to green there's not a bad hole and the turf is wonderful. Indeed I may say that the stretch of half a dozen holes is my favourite.

They're certainly holes that appeal more the more you play them.

Niall

Sounding more and more like our Tuesday drive to From Islay to Silloth may have to be interrupted for a few hours.

Troon's Top 100. right? Asking for my driver, not me.

[Niall C]

Eric

Don't know how you are getting to and from Islay but if you're flying, presumably Glasgow or Prestwick, then its easy to get to. If you're getting a ferry then presumably you will be getting off at Troon anyway. In golfing terms its worth the money but one of the biggest grumps is about whether its value for money. Visitors used to have to pay a greenfee for a round at the Old Course and also the Portland course (a MacKenzie course that is good but not great, not helped by the set up). From what I gather they have done away with that.

Niall

[Jeff Taylor]

Thanks guys.

[Mark Pearce]

Difficult to fly in to Prestwick and not play Prestwick....

I am looking forward to my game at Troon.

[jeffwarne]

Eric

Don't know how you are getting to and from Islay but if you're flying, presumably Glasgow or Prestwick, then its easy to get to. If you're getting a ferry then presumably you will be getting off at Troon anyway. In golfing terms its worth the money but one of the biggest grumps is about whether its value for money. Visitors used to have to pay a greenfee for a round at the Old Course and also the Portland course (a MacKenzie course that is good but not great, not helped by the set up). From what I gather they have done away with that.

Niall

I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Royal Troon and it was by far the most expensive day of our trip.
200 Pounds green fee when the rate was 2:1.
I also enjoyed the included lunch and Portland course.

Was that great value?
Perhaps not but when one is in the trip for several thousand minimum,it averages out and is all relative.
On the same trip we also played Dunaverty, Carradale and Shiskine,and Prestwick St. Nicholas so on average we still had good value.
Occasionally, I gotta throw my travel companions/clients/friends a bone and let them notch the belt.

[Niall Hay]

That is great news Niall.  A 3 act play. The longest and shortest holes in Major golf. The stretch of 6-8 is one of the best in the world. Back 9 is tough.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2012/03/04/royal-troon-chosen-as-destination-to-stage-2016-open-86908-23773622/ seems official.

[Eric Smith]

Difficult to fly in to Prestwick and not play Prestwick....

Mark,

Prestwick is the first order of business on the trip! I have confirmed booking for 36 holes and a stay at the Old Course Hotel along with a number of other GCAers who will be there as well.

Eric

Don't know how you are getting to and from Islay but if you're flying, presumably Glasgow or Prestwick, then its easy to get to. If you're getting a ferry then presumably you will be getting off at Troon anyway. In golfing terms its worth the money but one of the biggest grumps is about whether its value for money. Visitors used to have to pay a greenfee for a round at the Old Course and also the Portland course (a MacKenzie course that is good but not great, not helped by the set up). From what I gather they have done away with that.

Niall

Niall,

Troon would hinge on how we feel on the drive back from Islay. Knowing we'll have hopefully toured all 8 distilleries the day before may mean nay golf.  It'll be Brian's call as he's going to have to get back to London at some point!

Always wanted to see Troon. I actually bought a pair of weekly ground badges for the last Open there, hoping to take my grandpa, but his health at the time prevented us from making the trip over.

[Niall Hay]

Boost for Troon as Royal course set to host 2016 open
 
 Royal Troon is set to host the 2016 Open Championship

 Businesses in Troon can look forward to a boost, after it was revealed that Troon Golf Club will host the 2016 Open Championship.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has yet to officially announce the decision, but the whole of Troon’s Marine Hotel is already believed to have been booked out for the week, and senior members of the club are said to have been informed of the decision.

The 2016 championship will mark the ninth occasion that golf’s top event has been played over the Troon links, and the first since 2004 when Todd Hamilton became the sixth consecutive US player to win over the course.

This year’s championship will be played at Royal Lytham, before Birkdale in 2013, Hoylake in 2014 and St Andrews in 2015 before the return to Troon.

[Shane Wright]

Jeff, nice response.  I understand completely.  Your response encompasses why golfing in the UK/Ireland is so special.  There are so many magical places in close proximity that can touch people in different ways.  

[jeffwarne]

Troon's Top 100. right? Asking for my driver, not me.

It better be or we're not stopping.  

And you can whistle if you think we're going near Shiskine or Dunaverty!

despite what I typed above,  (sorry if I'm confusing you Shane )
given an extra day, I'd say Dunaverty/Carradale and Shiskine would be a more unique/fun day than Troon.
but why choose?

[Jon Wiggett]

I have no great love for Troon. I do like the first few holes and 10th plus 11th and the last three but as a whole the course does not really hit the mark for me. I also had a really bad experience there on the only visit. Pay a fortune and get treated like dirt by certain (not all) of the clubs employees and some of the members.

Wouldn't recommend it to anyone from personal experience though I do friends who had a really good time there so maybe my visit was on an off day,

Jon

[Brad Isaacs]

Jon,
I agree with your mediocre assessment of the course. Had to play it but not especially enjoyable. Prestwic was fun, Troon.... Not so much.  I wish they would choose to go to Portrush.

[Mark Chaplin]

Jeff - Gleneagles one word.

I enjoyed my Royal Troon visit, gracious hosts and a massive clubhouse with fine facilities. The course somehow lacks charm and other than the Postage Stamp has little to engage you, not sure why but IMO it doesn't have that "little something" that the special courses have.

No surprise the Marine is booked out the R&A wouldn't announce the venue and then start looking for their rooms!

[Joey Chase]

Boost for Troon as Royal course set to host 2016 open
 
 Royal Troon is set to host the 2016 Open Championship

 Businesses in Troon can look forward to a boost, after it was revealed that Troon Golf Club will host the 2016 Open Championship.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has yet to officially announce the decision, but the whole of Troon’s Marine Hotel is already believed to have been booked out for the week, and senior members of the club are said to have been informed of the decision.

The 2016 championship will mark the ninth occasion that golf’s top event has been played over the Troon links, and the first since 2004 when Todd Hamilton became the sixth consecutive US player to win over the course.

This year’s championship will be played at Royal Lytham, before Birkdale in 2013, Hoylake in 2014 and St Andrews in 2015 before the return to Troon.

It's not scheduled for Birkdale in 2013, it's  at Muirfield.  Having played them all, Troon falls under the least memorable of them for me.  Having said that, it is still a fantastic golf course.  It just lacks the same warm welcome that the others did for me. 

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Royal Troon is a much better course than it gets credit for being. Once one gets past those first 5 holes, there are few better. The first set of holes are good but just bland.

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