We’ve been treated to some fantastic golf courses across the 2024 majors, beginning as always at Augusta.
Then the almost ridiculously low-scoring Valhalla for the PGA Championship, was followed by the desperately challenging Pinehurst No. 2 for the U.S. Open.
And now, Royal Troon is delivering the ideal finale to the majors season.
Established with five holes in 1878, the old course is a classic links, nine out and nine back course that follows the coastline initially — then after the turn, it represents one of the sternest tests in golf.
That said, this week the usual wind direction has made the opening holes play longer and tougher, without making the back nine much easier.
The course plays to par 71 and 7,385 yards with 96 bunkers littered across the 18 holes; the sort of sand challenge that comes with The Open and rarely exists during the rest of the year.
Whoever finishes on top come Sunday will have mastered Royal Troon, and earned everyone’s acclamation.
