The 2024 Open Championship is shaping up to be a record-breaking event. Scheduled to take place at Royal Troon from July 18th to 21st, the fourth Major of the year has already surpassed one record, with another one teetering on the edge. The anticipated spectator numbers are staggering, with 250,000 people expected to attend.
Royal Troon, one of golf’s birthplaces Located in Troon, within the Scottish region of South Ayrshire, the Royal Troon Golf Club stands as a sanctuary for golf enthusiasts. Founded in 1878 as the Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club, it was renamed Troon Golf Club in 1882. A century later, the prefix “Royal” was added to honor the patronage granted by the then Prince of Wales, Charles.
The club boasts three courses: the Portland Course, the Craigend Course, and the historic Old Course (a challenge, especially on windy days). The iconic fifth hole, known as the Postage Stamp, is emblematic of the course.
The Open, results
Royal Troon has hosted the Open Championship nine times thus far, first in 1923 and most recently in 2016. Eight years ago, Henrik Stenson emerged victorious after an incredible duel with Phil Mickelson.
A matter of yards This year, history will be rewritten at Royal Troon. The R&A has announced a modification to the sixth hole (named Turnberry), which will be lengthened to a total of 623 yards (570 meters) in July, making it the longest hole ever played in an Open Championship. Ironically, just two holes later, professionals could face another record-breaking challenge: the Postage Stamp, currently measuring 123 yards (112.4 meters), may be shortened to 99 yards (90 meters) due to weather conditions. If so, it would become the shortest hole ever played in an Open Championship.
Compared to Stenson’s victory, nine new tees have been constructed, and the course has been extended to 7,385 yards (6,752 meters).
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