Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course)
A ten-time Open Championship links on the Ayrshire coast, home of the fearsome 'Postage Stamp' — and playable by visitors on select weekdays with a handicap.
Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course) in photos
Can I play Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course)?
Yes — Royal Troon is a private members' club, but it offers limited visitor tee times on the Open-hosting Old Course on set weekdays through the season. Visitor play is generally available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-April to October, and handicap limits apply (maximum 20 for men, 30 for women). You cannot simply turn up; you book in advance for one of the restricted visitor slots.
How to book: Reserve through the club's bookings team by phone or email, or via the online booking system where dates are shown; some tee times are held off the online system and released only on request. Book as far ahead as possible, as visitor days are limited and popular, and confirm the handicap and age requirements. Caddies can be arranged in advance.
About Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course)
Royal Troon's Old Course dates to 1878, was shaped by George Strath and Willie Fernie and later toughened by James Braid, and it has staged The Open Championship ten times, most recently in 2024. It is a classic out-and-back links: a gentler outward nine running along the shore before a brutal homeward stretch back into the prevailing wind, featuring the tiny, treacherous 'Postage Stamp' 8th and the railway-lined 11th. As a private members' club it protects its exclusivity, yet it releases limited visitor tee times on set weekdays through the season, subject to handicap limits, so travelling golfers can test themselves on a genuine Open rota course. Pair it with a day-ticket round on the Portland course for the full Troon experience.
Signature hole
The par-3 8th, the 'Postage Stamp', is one of the most famous short holes in golf — barely 120 yards to a tiny green ringed by deep bunkers and falling ground, where the wind turns a flick wedge into a nervy test.
What makes it special
An Open Championship rota course
Royal Troon has hosted The Open ten times, most recently in 2024, plus the 2020 AIG Women's Open.
The Postage Stamp
The 8th is one of golf's most famous par threes — a minuscule green surrounded by cavernous bunkers and swirling wind.
Visitor access to a major venue
Limited tee times on set weekdays let handicap golfers play a true Open links that is otherwise a members' club.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship (1923, 1950, 1962, 1973, 1982, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2016, 2024)
- AIG Women's Open (2020)
Need to know
Best time to play
Mid-April to October, when visitor tee times are offered; May, June and September combine firm turf, long days and slightly easier availability than peak midsummer.
Dress code
Smart golf attire on the course — collared or approved golf shirts and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim, cargo shorts or trainers. Jacket-and-tie standards may apply in parts of the clubhouse.
Good to know
A championship walking links with caddies available and limited buggy access; allow four-and-a-half hours or more into the wind. Play from tees suited to your game — the Old Course stretches past 7,300 yards for The Open — and prepare for exposed Ayrshire coast weather.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) ~10 minutes by car; Glasgow (GLA) ~45 minutes as a secondary option.
On arrival
Troon sits on the Ayrshire coast about 30 miles south-west of Glasgow; take the M77/A77 towards Ayr then follow signs to Troon and the seafront. Prestwick airport and railway station are just minutes away, and there is a direct train from Glasgow to Troon.
Stay near the course
Troon itself has seafront hotels within reach of the links, and nearby Prestwick and Ayr add more options. Many golfers base along the Ayrshire coast to pair Royal Troon with Prestwick, Western Gailes and Turnberry.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Marine Troon Hotel
Troon
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Piersland House
Troon
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Lochgreen House Hotel
Troon
A taste of the luxury stays near Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Troon — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Troon.
Explore TroonFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Royal Troon's Old Course?
Yes, on a limited basis. It is a private members' club, but it offers visitor tee times on set weekdays (typically Mon/Tue/Thu) from mid-April to October, booked in advance.
How much does it cost to play?
Guide prices put a single Old Course round in the region of £250–£365 depending on season and source, with a two-course day ticket (Old plus Portland) around £420. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
Do I need a handicap?
Yes. Royal Troon applies handicap limits for the Old Course — a maximum of 20 for men and 30 for women — and has minimum-age rules for juniors.
When can I play as a visitor?
Visitor rounds are generally offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through the mid-April to October season; weekends are reserved for members.
More golf courses to play
St Andrews — Old Course
St Andrews, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
Carnoustie, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
Turnberry, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course)
Dornoch, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
North Berwick, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns, Scotland · Links
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Royal Troon Golf Club — Visitor Information
- Royal Troon Golf Club — Wikipedia
- Royal Troon price and how to play — golf.com
Guide updated 2026-07-27.