How does Royal Troon compare to other open spaces?

Top 100 GOLF Course Planners are among the most respected and most traveled course appraisers in the game. They also like to share their opinions. In this GOLF.com series, we open up their unvarnished views on all questions related to the course. Check out the latest in GOLF Top 100 Courses in the US, Top 100 Courses in the World, Top 100 Courses to Play, The best municipal courses in the US again 100 Best Short Courses.

Aside from the famous Postage Stamp 8th hole at Royal Troon, what should the average fan know about this year's host of the Open Championship? How does the course compare/compare to other places on the rota?

Timothy Gallant, panelist since 2019: Troon is said to be a three act series, and that is probably true. The opening six holes are ripe for the picking and there are birdies to be had. The next six play among the spectacular dunes and include some of the most famous and iconic holes on the site. Then comes the challenging ending, which often plays into the prevailing mood.

Simon Holt, panelist since 2019: It is a lesson that builds in difficulty. Soft start, middle, then hold on for dear life after nine. Sometimes those finishing holes can feel like a slog to a club golfer, especially in the stiff Ayrshire wind. Especially on the same side, closing is not easy, it requires you to shoot and fly the ball correctly. Players' scores in the 10th and 11th tests will set the tone for their defenders more than any other subject in the rota.

Paul Arnold, team from 2023: Troon's bunkers are deep and very well placed. Avoidance is important. The new boxes this year will make the course a great test of golf (Is it necessary, however, to bring a mode to extend the championship course to the ancient links? I am not so sure) The 11th, also known as the Railway hole the railway line runs along it, may not be seen much on TV but it is a very interesting and difficult hole that should affect the outcome of the tournament.

Philip Gawith, panelist since 2019: As others have noted, the back 9 is often a pain in the ass covering holes in the existing atmosphere. The 11th is a very intimidating hole with a completely blind drive from the back tee. Although Troon does not have the charm of Turnberry, the history of Hoylake or the charm of Royal St. Georges or Muirfield, it is still a strong course with a special calling card on the Postage Stamp. The last two Opens here have produced a Todd Hamilton pinfall and a Stenson/Mickelson single.