The noteworthy fact regarding Royal Troon, famous for its lengthiest hole (the Par 5 sixth at 623 yards) and shortest one (the renowned Par 3 eighth, also known as the Postage Stamp, officially 123 yards but possibly as short as 99 yards with a newly introduced forward tee) is its anticipated role as the host to an altered golf reality since its last hosting of the Open in 2016.
In that previous event, an iconic match transpired between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson, culminating in Stenson, a Swede, conquering the Claret Jug. This was a victory of historic proportions – not only was he the very first Swedish male to claim a Major, his win also broke a sequence of six American victors, a streak ongoing since 1962 with Arnold Palmer and persisting till 2004 with Todd Hamilton, at the site.
But the most pivotal twist since Stenson’s singular Major triumph concerns the changing preferences of the two contenders from that unforgettable Sunday eight years ago. Both of them have now pledged their golfing loyalties to LIV, triggering a ripple effect in men’s professional golf. This is a tour that finds its backing from the Saudi Arabia PIF, explaining the ripple.
Fractures and power struggles between respective tours notwithstanding, the four Major championships – the Masters, the US PGA, the US Open, and The Open, viewed as the most established of the lot, have managed to clinch an even loftier status. Their unique appeal lies in their ability to serve as a common playing ground for players across tours, and for those belonging to the amateur category.
This week, the 152nd Open is set to revisit a celebrated location. The most drastic transformation, however, is not pertaining to the golf setting itself, but the surge in expected turnout compared to previous years. The 2016 event saw a record of 173,000 spectators filling the grandstands and hills, whereas this year’s crowd is projected to reach a staggering 250,000, putting it third in the all-time attendee numbers.
The record for the biggest crowd still belongs to the St Andrews’ 150th Open (290,000), followed by Royal Liverpool’s championship last year (261,000). The 2019 Royal Portrush event attracted a crowd of 237,750.
Having been extended by 195 yards since 2016, the course has increased from its original length of 7,190 yards to its current size of 7,385 yards. The sixth hole, which now measures an impressive 623 yards, has become the longest hole in The Open’s history, due to the major additions.
Likewise, modifications have also been carried out on the illustrious Postage Stamp – i.e., the eighth hole. Notably, the coffin bunkers have experienced refurbishments, which have been known to act as irresistible traps for any tee shots that slightly exceed their target.
Over its history, Royal Troon has hosted nine Opens, including appearances from such notable names as Arthur Havers (1923), Bobby Locke (1950), Arnold Palmer (1962), Tom Weiskopf (1973), Tom Watson (1982), Mark Calcavecchia (1989), Justin Leonard (1997), Todd Hamilton (2004) and Henrik Stenson (2016). Interestingly, the course has remained true to its original design since its first staging back in 1923. At that time, highly respected course architect and five-time Open champion, James Braid, was hired to oversee the redesign, intensifying the requirements posed to players.
Proof of Braid’s expert handiwork is that, despite continuous modifications over the years, including the relocation of several greens and narrowing of fairways, the course’s classic out-and-back layout remains intact. Beginning with the first six holes along the shoreline, it then veers mildly inland from the seventh hole, wandering through dunes and gorse before reverting back towards the railway line for the wind-influenced finish. One of the most challenging holes is the par 11th, famously known as Railway, which has often been detrimental to many a player’s scorecard.
Royal Troon, like any links course, primarily relies on wind for its ‘defense’. As highlighted by Gareth Lord – who caddied for Stenson during his 2016 win and made good on his bet with the Swedish golfer to quit smoking if they secured the Claret Jug – in a recent episode of the 19th Uncut podcast: “A bit of wind is necessary, otherwise they’ll annihilate it”. With expectations running high for the wind to come into play, last Monday’s visit to Troon by Ludvig Aberg on his way to the Genesis Scottish Open, observed little to no wind.
In Scotland, we had an anomalous day of 20-degree weather, a cloudless sky and not a gust in sight. It probably won’t look the same next week, at least we aren’t anticipating that. Though the golf course was in prime condition, it proved to be difficult.
It was my inaugural visit to this locale and surprisingly I recognised a vast number of courses from Henrik’s victory in 2016. The task ahead will indeed be demanding, with the front nine being slightly simpler and more achievable. However, as soon as we reach the 10th, a gusty wind strikes. It’s certain to be a nice test of skills.
And yes, let’s hope for a touch of wind to spice things up. (In the forthcoming Thursday’s initial round, the range of wind speeds are projected to be anywhere between 11mph and 14mph, potentially reaching as high as 34mph).
The Fantastic Five
Bryson DeChambeau
Projected Chances: 14/1
There is a conspicuous confidence in a certain someone bearing the letters B.A.D. on his distance measurement book! With DeChambeau’s recent US Open triumph, marking his second Major in his career, he certainly had a jittery end, though not as frantic as Rory McIlroy’s. Given LIV’s diminished schedule, DeChambeau seems to have acclimatised well. Our ninth ranked sportsman has had spectacular performances in this year’s Majors: a joint sixth position in the Masters, first runner up in the US PGA and gold in the US Open. Certainly, one to watch out for; expect a strong show.
Xander Schauffele
Projected Chances: 14/1
Even though Scottie Scheffler has garnered the maximum victories in this year’s PGA Tour, the most steadfast performer has been Schauffele, achieving his 51st consecutive tournament cuts in the Scottish Open. Schauffele’s impressive streak extends to major wins such as the US PGA and high ranking positions in both the Masters and US Open, making him a favourite for Royal Troon.
Robert MacIntyre
Projected Chances: 33/1
Without a shadow of doubt, the most significant support is anticipated to lean towards the shinty enthusiast from Scotland, who has a deep comfort with the western Scottish coast. This current season, he has shifted into high gear, netting a major hit with his victory at the Canadian Open PGA Tour, and staying steadfast amongst the top-50 worldwide. Having a robust understanding and passion for links, he is shortly expected to become a serious contender in the Majors. Where else to excel, if not here? In just four attempts at The Open championship, he has already secured top-10 finishes in 2019 and 2021.
Shane Lowry
Chances: 33/1
Lowry is no stranger to the requirements of success in the golfing arena – raising the Claret Jug, for instance. Just a year away from his victorious comeback at Portrush in 2019, this fellow from Offaly is heading to Troon in good form, boasting a victory (alongside Rory McIlroy in the Zurich Classic) and a top-10 standing in the US PGA. His last performance in the PGA Tour also resulted in a top-10. Even more notably, Lowry has been preparing at his own pace for Troon, refraining from the Scottish Open, and instead opting for links golf in Ireland and an early trip to Troon.
Adam Scott
Chances: 100/1
Of course, one cannot fail to acknowledge the cordial Australian, who will be marking a record-breaking 93 consecutive appearances in a Major championship at Royal Troon. This means Scott has not missed a single Major event in an impressive span of 23 years! Scott’s sole Major triumph dates back to the 2013 Masters, however, his competitive longevity is still evident with top-10 rankings on both the DP World Tour and the PGA tour this season. Though he may be the dark horse in this race, it just might turn out to be worth an each-way bet.