The 8th hole at Royal Troon is known as Postage Stamp.
More about the Postage Stamp Golf Hole at Royal Troon
Royal Troon Golf Club, located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, is one of the premier links courses in the world. The club was founded in 1878. It features two courses – the Old Course and the Portland Course. The Old Course is a frequent host of The Open Championship.
Royal Troon's Old Course is renowned for its challenging layout, historic significance, and the dramatic landscape of the Ayrshire coastline. Besides the Postage Stamp (8th hole), the 11th hole, known as "The Railway," is another iconic and challenging hole.
The Postage Stamp is the 8th hole at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, one of the shortest and most famous par-3 holes in golf. Here are some key facts about it:
- Length: The hole measures just 123 yards from the championship tee, making it one of the shortest holes in major championship golf.
- Design: The green is small and well-protected by deep bunkers, including the famous "Coffin" bunker on the left side.
- History: The hole's name, "Postage Stamp," was coined by William Park, Jr. in 1923 due to the green's small size.
- Challenges: Despite its short length, the Postage Stamp is known for its difficulty, with variable winds and penal bunkers creating a formidable challenge for golfers.
- Notable Moments: Many memorable moments have occurred on this hole, including a hole-in-one by Gene Sarazen in the 1973 Open Championship at the age of 71.
- The hole was originally called Ailsa after the rocky islet you can see from the tee. William Park wrote in ‘Golf Illustrated’ that the green was “A pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a postage stamp.” The official name for the hole was changed soon after.
- Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, and Phil Mickelson all named the Postage Stamp as their favourite hole on the British Open rota, when asked by the BBC.
- In the 1989 British Open at Royal Troon Greg Norman shot a brilliant final round 64. He bogeyed one hole – the 123 yard 8th.
- Rory McIlroy shows how tough it can be as he takes 6 to get out of one of the bunkers in a practice round.
- Visitors can play Royal Troon and experience the Postage Stamp first hand. You need a handicap up to 20 for men and 30 for women.
This hole remains a test of precision and skill, contributing to Royal Troon's reputation as a championship course.