This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page 2025) – In the 15 months since Mecklenburg County selected Troon® to operate its four Charlotte-area golf courses the partnership is already a win-win for the community Capital investments made by the County and Troon to improve course conditions have resulted in rounds increasing by an average of 12.4 percent (over 2023) revenues increasing by an average of 22.6 percent (over 2023) Troon recently made a $128,151 donation to the First Tee of Greater Charlotte for the 501(c)3 to fund programming for kids and teens as provided for in the agreement Troon in partnership with the First Tee of Greater Charlotte was selected to operate the four Mecklenburg County courses Sifford Golf Course for up to 20 years The First Tee made an initial contribution of $250,000 to improve the practice areas at the four facilities in return for First Tee students to have free access to practice areas rounds of golf and opportunities to gain work experience in the areas of golf operations Troon’s sales and marketing team launched new branding for the county courses began new email marketing and social media strategies As part of the partnership agreement with First Tee Troon and its Indigo Sports division committed to donating up to two percent of gross revenues from the four courses annually to fund programming and scholarships for the First Tee of Greater Charlotte – the recent $128,151 donation marked the first annual payment The agreement also calls for Troon to pay Mecklenburg County a combination of base rent and percentage rent annually with the County committed to reinvesting all rent payments back into the golf facilities as capital improvements.  Over the past 15 months Mecklenburg County has invested more than $1.8 million on capital improvements at the four golf facilities Troon has also invested in the four golf facilities “We’re thrilled with the strides we’ve made for Mecklenburg County Golf in a relatively short time,” said Mecklenburg County Golf Regional General Manager Josh Anderson and more people are enjoying their experiences at our golf courses We have a lot more improvements planned for 2025 and beyond including a Callaway Fitting Center at CT Myers a practice range tee expansion and new putting green at Sunset Hills continued irrigation upgrades and cart path improvements at Harry L and resodding/tee box leveling projects at Dr For those who haven’t played the Mecklenburg County golf courses in a while they’ll be impressed with the improvements the County-Troon-First Tee partnership has produced.”  Troon is the largest operator of municipal golf facilities in the U.S. with relationships structured as management agreements lease agreements or a combination of both depending on the needs of the municipality the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company and biggest employer of PGA professionals also provides consulting services to municipal golf courses on operations Troon-affiliated facilities are home to 40-plus First Tee Chapters across the country For more information on Mecklenburg County Golf, visit https://meckcountygolf.com.  About Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is home to over 290 parks and facilities great public golf courses that are all located on more than 22,500 acres of parkland throughout Mecklenburg County. Mecklenburg County is developing a great partnership with Troon for managing our public courses.  About First Tee of Greater Charlotte Established in 2003 First Tee – Greater Charlotte is a 501(c)3 serving kids and teens and community programs to teach the game of golf and its inherent values to young people within the Greater Charlotte area The program serves more than 2,000 young people annually at eight different facilities in the Greater Charlotte area and partners with more than 200 local elementary schools to bring the game of golf and core values to more than 120,000 students during the school day Through our partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation First Tee opened its Learning Center adjacent to the Dr Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park in April 2009 Media Contact:Rob MyersTroon 480.477.0506rmyers@troon.com As the world marked Tuesday April 22nd as ‘Earth Day 2025’ Troon International was reinforcing its commitment to sustainability leadership recognising the crucial role golf can play in responsible resource management At the forefront of this mission is Brianne Kenny who believes that with scale comes responsibility and opportunity “Considering that we’re the largest golf management company in the world I think it’s incredibly important to lead by example,” Kenny says to step up and show what’s possible in the golf industry.” Troon International is the international division of Troon one of the world’s leading golf management brands and operates over 60 courses across more than 20 countries The company and its facilities are globally renowned for exceptional customer service and impeccable golf course conditions in a vast range of picturesque settings the company is integrating sustainability best practices into course and club operations and community partnerships From advanced water conservation strategies in arid regions such as the Middle East Morocco and Portugal to creative reuse of natural materials Recent international site visits across the Czech Republic South Korea and the UAE brought home just how diverse sustainability challenges and solutions can be “Travelling to Europe and the Middle East to see our properties there really opened my eyes Every country has a slightly different approach but there’s a shared commitment to doing better for the environment There’s a lot we can learn from each other and a lot of similarities we might not expect.” Visiting facilities in the UAE such as Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club Costa Navarino in Greece or Salgados Golf Club in Portugal Kenny observed firsthand how resorts balance premium golf with local environmental stewardship “They face water challenges similar to those I am more used to in Phoenix and they’ve embraced a mindset of resourcefulness These facilities have long championed sustainability PGA National Oaks Prague and Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club are among Troon International facilities to be GEO Certified® Al Zorah embarking on a mangrove restoration project Salgados is a haven for migratory birds and majestic flamingos Dubai Hills Golf Club is focused on implementing energy-efficient practices and Costa Navarino has Europe’s largest olive tree transplantation programme while the Bay Clubhouse is one of the first earth-sheltered clubhouses The Grove in England highlighted staff engagement with biodiversity and sustainability planning across the property with teams from greenkeeping to clubhouse staff all playing their part Each demonstrates how facilities along with members and guests are looking to do more “Staff across many places send me photos of animals they spot or share invasive species projects they’ve tackled,” noted Kenny Kenny also emphasised the opportunity to inspire the next generation “I get monthly messages from young people who love golf and care about sustainability That tells me there’s a demand for change – and we need to meet it.” “Golf courses have the potential to be sanctuaries for biodiversity and hubs of responsible land management,” she added.  “The opportunity for our industry to lead in conservation and community building is enormous.” Earth Day offers a chance to raise awareness of some of the issues the world is facing and the opportunities, and Troon International continues to step forward and play its part England Golf is reporting that April was a record-breaking month for scores submitted through the World Handicap System with over 1.4 million scores submitted in England during what was the sunniest April ever recorded Following the news of the theft of over £2 million of stock from its Manchester warehouse last weekend Worldwide Golf Brands reports that the business is 'back up and running' with minimal disruption to the vast majority of its customers the business growth agency for UK and Irish golf clubs has launched a new marketing system that has delivered rapid advances in the service they deliver GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use We are independent of all special interest groups Click here to sign up for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary View the latest newsletter here 5/7 High StreetDorchester-on-ThamesOxfordshire OX10 7HHUnited Kingdom publisher@golfbusinessnews.com © 1999-2025 e.GolfBusiness.com Limited | All Rights Reserved. | GBN Privacy Policy CloseDr Robbie Cumming captured footage of waves breaching the sea wall in Troon on his way to work as a GP on Friday morning Storm Éowyn has been battering the west coast as a rare red weather warning has come into effect in Scotland. "This is a particularly bad storm," Dr Cumming said "It's by far the worst I've ever known living here for 15 years." "I have now come home for lunch and my fences are down and there's carnage out there At least schools are closed and people are being cautious and staying indoors." "We have also changed appointments to telephone ones as we don't want people to risk coming into the surgery although later this afternoon we will be seeing some patients." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore more'It's definitely the windiest I've ever seen Troon' Video 00:00:42'It's definitely the windiest I've ever seen Troon' 0:42Up Next Debris and desolation as Storm Éowyn sweeps Scotland 00:00:26Debris and desolation as Storm Éowyn sweeps Scotland 0:26Storm Éowyn batters the west coast of Scotland 00:00:37Storm Éowyn batters the west coast of Scotland 0:37Editor's recommendationsWatch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:44Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:44Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop officially marked the successful restoration of Troon station today completed the rebuild of the fire-damaged station in July 2024 representing a £5m investment in Scotland’s Railway The Cabinet Secretary was joined at the station by children from Troon Primary School as she unveiled a plaque and buried a time capsule to commemorate the occasion stakeholders and the local community to develop the design of the reconstructed new building with the Railway Heritage Trust providing £100,000 of funding towards the restoration Though the new building resonates with the previous station building it has been rebuilt to modern standards that better meet customers’ needs This includes a ‘changing places’ facility that delivers enhanced services for people with disabilities said: “It’s great to see Troon Station fully restored thanks to the efforts of everyone involved it’s fantastic that this rebuild is in keeping with the original station heritage while also providing modern day facilities and improved accessibility I’m sure everyone using this station will welcome the improvements this Network Rail and Railway Heritage Trust investment has delivered.” said “ I am delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Troon station to see first-hand the remarkable restoration work that has taken place “Today also provides an opportunity to once again thank the local community our partners and the Railway Heritage Trust for the invaluable contribution and support given over the last few years as the team understood the design concept from the outset Our collective efforts sought to restore the visual heritage of how the station once looked and deliver a modern fitout suitable for today’s passengers Anyone who visits the station can clearly see that this has been achieved.” said: “Troon station plays an important role within the local community and it is fantastic to see the restoration work completed delivering a modern facility that will meet the needs of ScotRail customers “We want to provide customers with the best possible experience when they travel on our trains and the work that has been undertaken at Troon helps us to deliver that “Thanks to everyone involved in this project which gives the people of Troon a station they can be proud of.” Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust said: “We have supported Network Rail and ScotRail in their response to the terrible fire in 2021 at Troon station “We are pleased that the station building on platform 1 has been re-built in a style that reflects the building that was lost and we are pleased to have supported restoration works to the building n platform 2 with a grant so that it looks its best.” Ahead of the main construction work starting in October 2023 Work to the new framework began at the start of 2024 and included 127 pieces of pre-fabricated steel that extended to more than 400m in length and weighed approximately nine tonnes in total If you have any questions about Troon station’s restoration you can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41 For the latest information and updates, follow Network Rail Scotland on X (Twitter) @NetworkRailSCOT or visit ScotlandsRailway.com to grow and expand the nation's railway network to respond to the tremendous growth and demand the railway has experienced - a doubling of passenger journeys over the past 20 years Royal Troon has hosted The Open Championship nine times and has staged some of the greatest moments in Open history The 152nd British Open will be the 10th at Royal Troon But who won the previous nine – and how did they end up winning the Claret Jug Norfolk’s Arthur Havers holed out from the bunker on the 72nd hole to finish one stroke clear of defending champion Walter Hagen a little under £3m less than what Brian Harman won in 2023 Bobby Locke picked up the second of four Open titles after missing just two fairways all week Every year thereafter he sent a Christmas card to the club with the same message: “Still the best greens in the world.” Three months after winning the Masters for the first time Arnold Palmer went back-to-back at The Open with a commanding six-shot victory over Kel Nagle He was given an honorary membership of the club 20 years later American Tom Weiskopf became the first man in 39 years to win wire-to-wire though the Championship is perhaps best remembered for Gene Sarazan’s hole-in-one on the Postage Stamp during the first round Tom Watson came from three back in the final round to be named Champion Golfer of the Year for a fourth time He successfully defended the Claret Jug a year later at Royal Birkdale Greg Norman shot a course-record 64 in the final round but came unstuck during a three-man playoff after hitting his third shot out of bounds on 18 Mark Calcavecchia birdied the hole and finished three clear of Wayne Grady Justin Leonard birdied six holes on the front nine and closed with a 65 – the lowest round of the day – to claim a sensational three-shot victory over Darren Clarke and Jesper Parnevik Todd Hamilton overtook reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson down the stretch and defeated Ernie Els in a four-hole play-off He also became the sixth consecutive American to win at Troon In an epic final-round duel with Phil Mickelson Henrik Stenson reeled off 10 birdies to claim a three-shot victory on 20-under-par JB Holmes finished way back in third on -6 See who our experts think will win the 2024 Open at Royal Troon Michael Catling is Today's Golfer's Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf's Majors and Tours By Michael Catling “The future of golf course management is rooted in the fundamentals – proven, reliable techniques combined with hard work from the teams on the ground and emerging technologies”. That’s the message from Simon Doyle, Troon’s Vice President of Agronomy for the international division, following a world tour of Troon experts who visited nine countries across the Troon International network Doyle was reflecting on the success of the second Troon International Agronomy Conference in Prague back where Troon’s agronomy experts shared insights and their vision for the future the world’s largest golf hospitality management company welcomed a host of company experts including Dave Nicholls More than 65 delegates from more than 20 Troon facilities across the globe gathered for the Troon International Agronomy Conference offering an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration around agronomy best practice while the site visits to Troon facilities across Europe Asia and Australasia provided hands-on practical guidance for teams on the ground “By adopting smarter decision-making systems we can make more accurate choices and minimize our environmental footprint,” commented Doyle is now allowing us to dial in proven techniques alongside smarter decision-making systems such as Clipping Volume (ClipVol) Growth Degree Days (GDD) and Disease forecasting models which make us much more accurate whilst helping prevent indiscriminate applications.  “The integration of new technologies also allows us to be more precise and sustainable in our approach to course management all while enhancing the overall golfing experience.” The tour highlighted several key developments in golf course agronomy that will shape the industry moving forward Troon International has published an insightful and detailed industry report into amateur golfers across the US – which revealed that golf getaways and digital engagement are a key focus for the average American golfer GBN readers can request to receive their own copies of the report – see below* based on data from more than 10,000 respondents to the 2024 Troon Golfer Survey alongside other trusted sources such as the National Golf Foundation (NGF) spending and travel habits of the sport’s largest national market endorsed by IAGTO and released at the Asia Golf Industry Convention in Vietnam this week will provide golf industry professionals with valuable data to help understand this important sector Among the key takeaways from the deep dive report was the conclusion that more than half of US players (a group of approximately 23 million in total) take at least one golf trip per year with 31 per cent taking two or more these trips are most commonly to either the US golfing meccas like Florida and California or to overseas destinations such as Scotland The study also revealed that more than one third of today’s US golfers book their rounds online underlining the importance of an efficient and user-friendly booking platform for clubs 57 per cent of players used their smartphones for booking Another of the most striking statistics for golf venues is the revelation that more than half of surveyed players ranked dining and retail as two of the most important factors when selecting a destination for their golf break offering a diverse range of high-quality food beverage and shopping options increased customer spending and made them more likely to visit a venue curated holiday packages proved to be key to capturing the interests of the affluent travelling golfer; responses also indicated that a well-maintained and playable course was one of the decisive factors in whether a guest would be likely to return Director of Sales and Marketing at Troon International said: “US golfers are travelling abroad for golf vacations more than ever presenting a growing opportunity for international destinations We hope facilities and industry professionals find this report to be a valuable resource to help in tailoring offerings to attract US golfers.” The company and its venues are globally renowned for exceptional customer service and impeccable golf course conditions in a vast range of picturesque settings *Readers of GBN who would like to receive a copy of the report should contact Clinton Norris at cnorris@troon.com Family-owned Ayrshire hospitality group have unveiled a stunning £200,000 makeover to its restaurant and bar at The Loans Inn in village Loans country pub and restaurant was originally purchased by Malcolm and Karen Simpson in 1996 and was then rebuilt in 2008 adding 20 4-star bedrooms and a luxury cottage The hotel has always been renowned for great food and exceptional Scottish hospitality and the stylish new refurbishment certainly adds to the offering whilst retaining its character The restaurant and bar have been completely transformed by interior designers 3 Design and now has a maximalist country house aesthetic A polished dark wood floor gives way to a Regency deep red Jacobean inspired floral carpet These historic floral notes are prominent throughout and sit alongside muted plaid elements on the walls There are also beautiful natural bare stone walls and wooden panelling which sit seamlessly alongside the distinct patterns on the furniture Some of the backs of the booths are plain while others are fluted or deep buttoned in a Chesterfield design The seats of the booths are leather in a range of colours such as blue brown and red and the backs are all upholstered in different patterned fabrics Some of the banquettes even change fabric through the full length The chairs are also a delight everyone is wooden but unique in shape and design with different fabric upholstered seats square and rectangular dark wooden tables allow the pops of colour from the fabrics on the chairs to really shine through Soft furnishings include tartan curtains and cushions scattered across the space The eclectic furniture is coupled with a plethora of statement artwork on the walls which creates a cosy Everywhere you look there is something new to take in The eclectic frames on the walls are differing colours designs or shapes and each is filled with a distinct piece of artwork they have used modern looking metal and wooden shelving units more ornaments and are even decorated with fairy lights The lighting is moody and warm and comes from traditional wall sconces and large wicker pendant lights which hang above the tables Some of the other stunning features include a bar which has a polished wooden top with Chesterfield style brown leather front and a cast iron fireplace nestled amongst a stone wall with a wooden mantle and a large ornate mirror hanging above The use of the layering of patterns and textures alongside the broad colour palette is breathtaking and it is clear that every element has been deeply considered by the designer The Loans Inn team have certainly been busy as it’s not just the interior that has had an upgrade Extensive works have also been completed to the external façade of the boutique hotel plus a complete renovation of the adjoining four-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage Jack Simpson of SimpsInns who led the project said “The Loans Inn has been very much part of community life here in Troon since we opened our doors back in 1996 We have a well-established reputation as one of Ayrshire’s most popular foodie hotspots We’re delighted to unveil the fresh new look to our restaurant bar and menu for local diners and overnight guests.” There is also plenty more on the horizon from SimpsInns as owner Malcolm Simpson added “Our restaurant makeover at The Loans Inn is the latest part of our ongoing development plans for the SimpsInns group We’re committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations and are regularly investing in our hotel and leisure facilities “2025 is set to be a really exciting year for our family-run firm which will include the launch of our new £3million sea view spa and the introduction of 17 additional guest rooms at The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride.” Privacy Policy Troon station in Scotland suffered a devastating fire in 2021 and rebuilding it in a compact timescale to heritage requirements relied upon collective engineering focus and ingenuity Network Rail’s programme manager on the job told NCE Troon station on the west coast of Scotland caught fire the majority of the 1892 building and the canopies over platform 1 were destroyed beyond repair “Troon is a nice little coastal town and it was one of those beautiful sunny days when everyone had gone to the beach,” Network Rail senior programme manager (buildings and civils) James Montgomery told NCE It could have been an electrical fault but potentially it was just the sheer heat coming through the window that caused something to catch fire.” the fire damage was exacerbated by Troon station’s structural steel girders “It’s got these steel girders that go across the platforms and actually the intensity of the heat transferred through the steel and nearly set platform 2 on fire,” Montgomery said “At one point I think four or five fire engines were there but the fire brigade just controlled platform 1 and concentrated on keeping platform 2 from going up They did manage to save platform 2; there was just a bit of superficial damage.” Network Rail and ScotRail then had to face up to the challenge of bringing Troon station back into service This job had added pressure as the 2024 Open Golf Championship was scheduled to take place in Troon a mere three years later and the station was going to have to be back to full use by then the rebuild had to meet Heritage requirements Railway Heritage had arrived on the scene “with huge concern” before the fire had been put out “It was listed mainly because of the steel work but also there was a lot of really nice heritage features,” he continued “Everyone was keen that it had to go back in some form that was sympathetic to what had been there before.” Services through Troon station resumed less than a week after the fire Engineers undertook ultrasonic testing to ensure that the rails were still in usable shape The overhead line equipment (OLE) was damaged so was replaced prior to the resumption This saw special props installed on both platforms to support the beams over the tracks onto which the OLE is attached This speedy work was an indication of what was to come on the full rebuild of the station in the following years Montgomery described a scene shortly after the fire when representatives of Network Rail Railway Heritage and the local planning authority gathered at a café near the station to decide on a plan of action “This would still have been during Covid time so we’re all sat outside this café shivering – and we could still smell the fire,” he said “We broadly agreed that we could change the internals [of the station building] and make it useful for modern use but the outside had to be very much sympathetic to what it had been.” there was around a year of discussions about how it was going to work with insurance funding and drawing up outline options that were then taken to the public “One of the options was exactly as it was before one slightly tweaked to make it easier to build and one option to put a totally modern glass box on the case,” Montgomery said “The sympathetic but modern inside version was favoured by the public It was then November 2022 and the Golf Open was coming up in July 2024 from the point that we knew which option was to be taken forward to design to the point that were to hand over we had slightly less than 20 months,” Montgomery said “It was like ‘How can we do this?’; your normal procurement methods at that point just aren’t going to work – and the other thing that really added a spanner was this was to be insurance funded.” The loss adjuster on the job was “fantastically helpful” though there was still a stipulation that the chosen contractor for the works represented value for money which meant that a competitive tender process was required “If we just went out with a normal design and build tender before we could start designing we’d be another six months down the line,” Montgomery said “We ended up starting the design ourselves while we were running the contract procurement for the building by the time we were tendering we were on an outline design and by the time we got into contract we had a detailed design.” AmcoGiffen was selected to carry out the construction but it hadn’t been involved in any of the detailed design “You can imagine just how many technical queries there were how many clashes there were,” Montgomery said there was a willingness from all parties to work together to ensure as smooth a delivery as possible “We talk in construction about partnership all the time I’ve never seen it really happen – but in this case Network Rail AmcoGiffen and ScotRail were just hand in glove,” Montgomery said “Every decision there were so many clashes because we just never get the time to get the design through or check what could be supplied by supply chain There were so many late changes and every single one of them I would have held my hands up and said ‘no we’ll stop’ if we hadn’t been working hand in glove with the contractor.” One of the trickiest elements of the job that needed attention was the restoration of the glass canopies on the platforms It was known that this was going to be a lengthy process so a contractor was appointed early Specialist Glasgow fabricator called Gray & Dick was chosen for the work and Network Rail was able to make the appointment rapidly through its framework contractor CPMS which had also overseen the initial recovery and demolition following the fire This satisfied the loss adjuster as it was the only firm able to provide the work in the required timeframe Gray & Dick had in fact been the contractor that fabricated the previous iterations of the canopies in the 1970s “Gray & Dick had the original fabrication designs and it even had the designs for the jigs that they used to make the canopies [in the 1970s],” Montgomery said “And one of the chaps who now runs the company had been an apprentice when it made the original canopies the canopies were brought to site and glazed It was then down to CPMS to crane them into place this could only be done on Saturday nights “We had to have isolation of the overhead lines,” Montgomery explained so when you take that isolation it takes out some of the other vital track During the week you’d get two hours at best – it doesn’t give you a very good window.” Even a slight bit of wind could have impacted the crane works and delayed the process Doing it on Saturday nights allowed the team to have a six-hour window The project team was allotted eight consecutive Saturday nights to enable them to be put the seven canopies in place – the extra weekend allotted in case of any issues “It was touch and go; any high wind was going to hold us up,” Montgomery said “So there was a lot of nerves because any miss on that is a full week [lost].” the seven canopies were each unique as the platform is on a slight curve The restored canopies (after completion of new station building) “The whole aspect of it being on a curve really played into [the complexity],” Montgomery said “You’re not just building a long building that’s got standard sections – every roof truss of the 140 roof trusses was different.” the team managed to lift all seven successfully on seven consecutive Saturday nights “We must have got the seven best Saturday nights you can possibly have Watch a timelapse video of the rebuild below Once the canopies had been placed onto the old steel frames it came time to rebuild the station building starting with levelling out the base and putting down foundations “Obviously there’d been a building there before so none of that was massively complicated,” Montgomery said Work on the steel frame for the building started in January 2024 and “popped up really quickly” This involved the arrangement of 127 pieces of prefabricated steel with some extending more than 400m in length and weighing approximately 9t “One of the challenges of the steel frame was the existing steelwork [holding up the canopies] that survived the fire and is obviously 100-nod years old,” Montgomery said “It was all tested to make sure that it had sufficient strength but not a single bit of it was standard lengths or widths when it came to attach [the new steel frame] to that We made very bespoke items to get it holding together.” This specialist adapter presented problems “You change that adapter and suddenly the window is slightly out the cladding is slightly out – there was just knock on after knock on after knock on,” Mongomery said This was not the only issue that arose in the construction of the building “There was also a clash with the roof trusses and the air conditioning system it was just problems that you would normally fix over the course of three weeks of back and forth conversation that we had to fix in three days we just couldn’t afford to lose anything.” With mere months to go until the Golf Open and alternative options were being considered “What they actually do [during the Golf Open] is use the station building as an operations centre and the public don’t go through it so the building itself wasn’t operationally vital,” Montgomery said if push came to shove they could just have a shell of a building ready in time for the Golf Open and finish the internal works later – and this almost came to pass there had been numerous named storms that had impacted the works and a week-long period of sub-zero temperatures that had impacted the concrete pours for the foundations “There was a point around March when things started getting really He started making noises about exploring an alternative programme but this made higher ups uncomfortable and it was determined that the team would do whatever it took to hand over the completed and working station in time for the Golf Open we just sat down with AmcoGiffen and its supply chain to work through every single place that we could save time and money,” Montgomery said The contractor appointed a subcontractor that could carry out multiple trades simultaneously “We probably had more different trades in there at the same time than you normally would have it just took a lot of careful management,” Mongommery said genuinely – we kept on calling it Challenge Anneka – but that last couple of weeks it was ‘everyone get in here and get on it’.” Inside Troon station building after completion everything worked out smoothly from that point Montgomery said he thinks the overlap between Network Rail and ScotRail was beneficial in these final stages “It could have fallen down at the end when we were handing it over to ScotRail as there was some bits and pieces it had to do like install the customer information services,” he said “That overlap between us could have easily gone wrong if everyone wasn’t totally bought into it but there was constant communication and everyone knowing that we cannot fail.” the new Troon station was completed in the days before the start of the Golf Open in mid-July 2024 we very rarely get to build something from scratch,” he said “So often in engineering you are fixing something that’s already there or sweating an asset – to see it all the way through is really incredible.” all the stress and fretting over timelines was worth it Not only was the project delivered on time and on budget but it was honoured with at the 2024 National Rail Heritage Awards taking home the award for Urban Heritage Project of the Year Montgomery has even more reason to cherish it: “My favourite bit is my sister lives at the bottom of the hill and my little nice External view of the completed station building Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here. Network Rail is gearing up to complete 359 projects worth £67.4M over…  The Island Line on the Isle of Wight has returned to full… Network Rail and its engineers are preparing for the installation of new… Network Rail and its supply chain carried out works across the country… What to do in Troon away from the Open Championship Just a few miles from Prestwick International Airport and 45 minutes from Glasgow Central Station lies the coastal settlement of Troon, a small seaside town looking out to the Isle of Arran. Of course, the name is synonymous with The Open Championship but to reduce Troon to simply a golfing haven would be overlooking a host of other natural and manmade attractions it has to offer Royal Troon is the jewel in the crown amongst seven incredible South Ayrshire golf courses and for a tenth time will be the sporting world’s central focus from July 18-21 But even when it’s not busy hosting prestigious events Troon remains a popular holiday resort for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life Steeped in history, with unspoiled sandy beaches, stunning coastlines, charming independent shops, world-class outdoor activities, and incredible seafood, Troon really does pack a punch. And if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket to The Open this year be sure to schedule some time to take it all in and make your week even more memorable here’s our top 10 picks of things you should do in Troon… No visit to Troon would be complete without a leisurely stroll along Troon’s stunning curved bay beach The picturesque esplanade buzzes with local tourists and water sports enthusiasts throughout the summer months and despite the cooler waters along Scotland’s west coast you can’t fail to enjoy the spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran while enjoying fish and chips and an ice cream Outlander fans will recognize Troon’s south seafront from an episode at the end of season one Another beautiful stretch of sandy beach can be found to the north of Troon harbor offering more stunning views of the Isle of Arran and the Firth of Clyde Once home to King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce, the 14th-century hilltop ruin of Dundonald Castle is a hidden gem and offers a rich historical experience for all ages Visitors can explore the high-vaulted halls and gloomy dungeons of this splendid stronghold The main tower was built in the 1370s by King Robert II to mark his succession to the throne Its heritage is explored in the visitor center which includes an exhibition illustrating the history of the site and a display of some of the artifacts found during archaeological excavations on the hill There is also a souvenir shop and a small cafeteria And to make a full day of it, bring your clubs – not to the castle – but to another of Scotland’s finest courses. Dundonald Links is a modern masterpiece and was one of the four venues used in Final Qualifying this year A must-see for anyone passing through for The Open Troon’s Town Clock and Troon Cross stand as the pride and joys of Troon steeped in history and one of the many great attractions found within the town center near the beachfront Troon Town Clock intersects many of the town’s roads including Harbour Road and Portland Street allowing for incredible pictures of its yellow clock tower face Built in 1840 to protect the town beach and its harbor from the rough storm waves that pass through the area Ballast Bank is an impenetrable barrier of dumped ballast that offers visitors stunning views of the Firth of Clyde It’s the perfect picturesque spot for relaxation and photography while remaining convenient for all of Troon’s amenities A great place to have a breather away from The Open This award-winning museum is dedicated to Scotland’s National Bard – Robert Burns whose poetry and songs are loved the world over The museum starts a journey that weaves through the village of Alloway taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns you’ll step inside Burns Cottage where Robert was born in 1759 The displays in the museum and Burns Cottage include plenty of hands-on and interactive activities and more than 5,000 Burns artifacts including his handwritten manuscripts Troon’s best eateries and nightlife can be found along the bustling Portland Street where you can get up close and personal with the locals over a few beers. If you’re looking to book a table somewhere – Lido Troon is one of the finest restaurants in South Ayr offering simple dishes with a laid-back Mediterranean feel and fantastic views of the Troon Harbour If you’re looking to combine a walk with some Scottish heritage and fun riddle solving, then look no further than ‘Where’s the Treasure in Ayr‘ – a great family-friendly way to explore the historic town of Ayr Starting and finishing outside the entrance of Ayr Railway Station the trail takes you around the town center and leads you through some of the less well-known paths and to lots of interesting nooks and crannies that explore the history of Auld Ayr The trail can be completed in 2.5-3 hours or you can make a whole day of it by enjoying the sights along the way Given that, a tee time at Royal Troon is hard to come by during Open week, those looking for a bucket-list golfing experience might have more luck 45 minutes down the road at Turnberry, home to four Open Championships and the world-famous Ailsa. Its jaw-dropping moments around the famous lighthouse are bettered by nowhere in the UK. A world top 10 without a doubt And while you’re there, make sure to grab a beer and a bite at the Watson v Nicklaus-inspired ‘Duel In The Sun‘ situated in the Turnberry Clubhouse that pays homage to the 1977 Open showdown Troon is one of the best beaches for kitesurfing in the UK, a wind-powered surface watersport using a kite and a board to move across the water. So, if you’re looking to add some adventure to your trip to The Open, kitesurfing is one activity that should be on your radar. Kitesurf Scotland is the country’s No.1 kitesurfing school providing high-quality tuition using the best equipment in the industry Troon prides itself on being the perfect place to enjoy a great shopping experience offering a wide variety of independently owned shops as well as hosting national retailers including New Look The town’s independent retailers include gift shops and innovation. Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics and Team GB. He is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism enabling him to critically analyze data and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions By Ross Tugwood How to get to Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship In efforts to reduce the Open Championship’s carbon footprint and minimize road traffic congestion the R&A recommends that spectators consider taking advantage of the enhanced public transport services on offer across the week Those traveling by car should be aware that there will be no public parking available at Royal Troon or in the immediate surrounding areas with the exception of pre-booked Blue Badge holders All public parking will be provided at managed Park & Ride sites Here’s everything you need to know for planning your travel to Royal Troon… Dedicated buses will transport spectators from Park & Ride sites to the course with car and motorcycle users directed by Variable Messaging Signs and specific black and yellow event signs provided by The AA Parking tickets are available on arrival at a cost of £15 from Sunday 14 to Tuesday 16 July, and £20 from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 July. A £5 discount will be applied to tickets purchased in advance (up to the day before), with tickets available to buy here Motorbike parking is available at a cost of £5 per day Follow the M80 and/or M8 towards Glasgow and leave the M8 to follow signs for the M77 towards Kilmarnock Continue onto the A77 then follow the yellow and black AA signs to ‘The Open Park & Ride’ Follow the M6 and/or M74 towards Glasgow and leave the M74 to follow signs for the M77 towards Kilmarnock Gate Opening Times and Park & Ride Service Times Royal Troon is serviced by Troon station with ScotRail significantly increasing its capacity on this line during the week of The Open Services will be running earlier in the morning to help fans catch the earlier tee times with at least five trains per hour during peak times Connections from the wider rail network to Troon are available at Kilmarnock (from Dumfries and Carlisle) and Glasgow Central for all other destinations Troon Station is located approximately 1.3km from the main spectator entrance and a Golflink bus service will be available to transport passengers to and from the course Train services will be busy throughout the week so ensure you leave plenty of time to travel. Rail timetables for Championship week will be published here when available. Golflink tickets are available to purchase now on the ScotRail website – select ‘Golflink (QGL)’ as the destination station when using the journey planner This ticket price includes the cost of the return bus journey to the course and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to reduce queuing time at the station Troon is connected to many local accommodation hubs including Ayr, Dundonald, Irvine, and Kilmarnock by a local public bus network. Tickets can be purchased on buses or via the Stagecoach Bus app. Further information on planning your journey, including accessibility assistance, timetables, and tickets valid for multiple journeys, can be found on the Stagecoach website All local buses accept contactless payments The Stagecoach-operated 14 service connects Troon to Irvine and Ayr and stops on South Beach (from the Ayr direction) or Bentinck Drive (from the Irvine direction) These services stop on Portland Street in Troon Town Centre which is approximately 1.8km from the main public entrance There will be a designated taxi rank and private hire drop-off/pick-up area in operation across the week approximately 250-300m from the main public entrance ask the driver to follow signs for taxis and private hire vehicles to avoid the road access restrictions Demand for taxis and private hire vehicles is expected to be high so it is highly recommended to book in advance Troon is serviced by several airports within easy reach including Glasgow Prestwick Airport (4 miles) The Official Helipad of The 152nd Open will be located at Glasgow Prestwick Airport For further travel inquiries, visit the Open Championship website The new partnership will see Azalea activate media and marketing campaigns to cement Troon International’s position as the leading management advisory for golf destinations worldwide and showcase the exceptional level of quality that has become synonymous with the Troon brand across golf course management Executive Vice President of Troon International said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Azalea at this exciting time for Troon International Some of our worldwide venues have benefitted from Azalea’s expertise for a number of years and we look forward to building this partnership as we continue to expand and develop our best-in-class experiences.” Azalea partner and director Andy Barwell said: “We are delighted to partner with Troon International across their global markets We have seen first-hand the positive impact Troon International brings to destinations worldwide and we look forward to supporting its continued drive for excellence.” Troon provides management services to more than 925 locations in 45-plus US states and 35-plus countries including operational responsibility for 575-plus courses Troon International’s flagship destinations include Malaysia; the PGA National Czech Republic and The Grove in Europe; and Al Zorah Golf Club and The Els Club Dubai in the UAE I walked the British Open course at Royal Troon to find the best viewing points for spectators It’s vital that you plan where you’re going to view the action before you head to Royal Troon to watch The Open so I got my walking boots on and strode all 18 holes to save you a job when you arrive Every course on The Open Championship rota is different – some are better for viewing than others you must take advantage of the grandstands for the best spectator experiences at Troon because making it hard to see lots of action from ground level I’d also recommend bringing a pair of binoculars to enhance your experience or head straight for The Open shop and hire a pair for the day Troon is a classic out-and-back links course so if you’re planning to head to the famous par-3 8th Postage Stamp you’ll need to allow time to walk out there It’s a good 40-minute walk once you get into the course But you don’t have to go that far for a good view as I discovered during my morning schlep around the lengthy layout but it’s the 1st tee at an Open Championship so you could settle down here for the entire day and see every player in the field get their rounds underway It’s arguably the prettiest opening tee of them all on the Open rota with views out to the sea and back towards the town of Troon Get yourself to the far left of the stand and you’ll also get a view of the 18th green because it’s a pretty gentle opener and we don’t expect to see too many players pulling out their driver Don’t expect a sprawling grandstand with hundreds of seats you’ll find a standing-only grandstand with two tiers Get yourself to the back right corner (back left as you look at it) and you’ll have an excellent view back down the 1st hole It’s another obvious choice, but there’s a reason why these seats are taken fast, especially on Sunday when the Claret Jug winner will be decided There are stands either side of the green with the clubhouse to the rear We’d choose the grandstand to the left as you look towards the green from the fairway Not only does it ensure you’re sheltered from the sea if the wind kicks in it gives you an excellent view of the hole If that’s not a concern then head to the top and you’ll be able to look back at some action down the 1st you’ve got the famous yellow scoreboards to keep you up to date with everything that’s happening and there are toilets underneath if you’ve enjoyed a beer or two from The Open Arms Par-3 grandstands are always a great place to view the action and this 220-yarder is the first ‘short’ hole on the card It plays downwind but requires a 220-yard carry to clear the first bunker so holding the green could prove a challenge You’ll enjoy beautiful views down the coastline Look over your shoulder and you’ll be able to see the approach shots from the 6th fairway The standout viewing point at the 2024 British Open Not only do you get a full view of the most famous hole on the course – the par-3 Postage Stamp with its Coffin Bunker – but you get a great view of the 7th hole and you’ll be able to see the action on the 9th It’s a big grandstand running from tee to green but try and get into the top left side as you approach (or check with a marshal to see which entrance takes you to the greenside seats) There are toilets and some refreshment stands just outside because you won’t be watching the action in person but the Spectator Village at The Open is always a fantastic spot Head towards the main Open Shop and you’ll see the village next to the entrance Grab a pint from The Open Arms or some food from the huge array of vendors and you can settle down at one of the benches or grab one of the huge beanbags and lay in front of the enormous screen that will be showing all of the action from across the course You can also stroll into the HSBC Golfzone to see some fantastic Open memorabilia and head into the mammoth shop to grab all your Troon keepsakes and you’ll get a good view of the par 3 and across to the 13th green get to the top of the grandstand behind the 13th green and you’ll be able to see the action on both holes The final par 3 and another great viewing opportunity as the players’ rounds draw to a (hopefully) dramatic close but head to the top right corner or anywhere down the right side of the stand (left as you look at it) and you’ll be able to see both the short hole and you’ll be able to see the players going down the 18th This is where those binoculars we mentioned earlier will prove key I love spending time here when I’m at The Open You can see the players up close as they work their way through the bag try and fathom what the various training aids are for (we’re looking at you and keep an eye out for any hostilities between the PGA Tour and LIV stars (spoiler: there aren’t any) There are plenty of seats or you can wander down to the chipping and putting greens to see them working on their short games There are even big screens firing out all the stats and data from the players’ shots down the range Rob Jerram is the Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com and has been a journalist for more than a quarter of a century joining TG in 2010. He specializes in the DP World Tour and has traveled the world watching the biggest tournaments and interviewing the game's biggest stars. Rob is also passionate about equipment and is a font of knowledge when it comes to golf balls having tested thousands over the years. Despite being father to three daughters he still manages to find time to maintain a 10-handicap all in the east of England. The best piece of golf equipment he's ever owned is the TaylorMade SLDR driver and the best course he's played is Turnberry's Ailsa. You can get in touch with Rob by emailing rob.jerram@bauermedia.co.uk By Rob Jerram ShareSaveCommentBusinessSportsMoneyGolf’s Biggest Operator Unveils New Loyalty Program: Troon AccessByErik Matuszewski Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Erik Matuszewski's coverage spans golf businesses news & destinationsFollow AuthorOct 09 06:00am EDTShareSaveCommentKapalua's Plantation Course on Maui host of The Sentry — the first event on the PGA Tour's annual .. More schedule — is among the Troon-managed facilities that are part of the company's new customer loyalty program that spans more than 150 U.S One of golf’s most popular customer reward programs has gotten an upgrade The Troon Card has officially run its course after 27 years, with the world’s largest golf management company unveiling a new, comprehensive benefits program – Troon Access – to take its place. Troon Access provides advanced booking preferred pricing and other savings at over 150 Troon-affiliated U.S among them popular destination properties such as Kapalua (Maui The former Troon Card program offered 28 different types of cards While the previous was popular with thousands of golfers whether nationally or in golf-rich states with a wealth of Troon-operated facilities like Arizona and Florida the new program consolidates a wide range of expanded benefits under just two national tiers: Access and Access+ The new loyalty program is part of a broader investment in Troon’s digital transformation golf industry enjoys sustained gains in participation and play Troon has built on its own continued growth with the launch of a newly designed website and the formation of Troon Digital a team tasked with leveraging technology to improve golfer experiences as well as operations at the expanding portfolio of facilities the company manages nationwide Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz said the latest changes represent a “major leap forward for enhancing the pre-golf guest experience,” as the new website features a booking engine that seamlessly integrates with NBC Sports Next technology (like GolfNow and TeeOff) “These innovations make it easier for golfers to search for and make tee times while providing greater value and flexibility for those passionate about the game and playing at Troon-affiliated courses,” Schantz added The Sands Course at Gamble Sands in Brewster Both loyalty program tiers provide consistent year-round value with preferred pricing Golfers can access their tee time benefits up to 60 days in advance and Access+ members will receive larger savings within a 3-day booking window users are eligible to play in member-only events and access exclusive partner offers from brands like Avis approximately 40% of Troon’s daily-fee public and resort properties have opted in to the new loyalty program and the company said it expects that number to grow in the coming years Troon Access ($199 annually) The Boulders is among more than 25 Troon-operated golf facilities in Arizona alone In a golf-rich market like Phoenix-Scottsdale in Arizona local or visiting golfers who are part of the new loyalty program can book rounds at Troon courses like Ak-Chin Southern Dunes and Troon North at up to 50% off their regular rates gives a hole-by-hole account of how to get to grips with this year’s Open course For our 2024 British Open Royal Troon course guide a man who knows the place better than perhaps anyone else Growing up five doors down from Royal Troon Colin Montgomerie used to watch golfers teeing off from an upstairs window of his childhood home he would cycle up South Beach Road to play the children’s course Rules and regulations at the time meant he wasn’t allowed to play the Championship Course until he turned 18 though Montgomerie says he has more than made up for that now served as the club’s secretary for many years and presented him with an honorary membership in 1996 A year later he played in The Open Championship at Troon where he was given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot we presented him with an aerial photo of Royal Troon at his home in Sunningdale and asked if he would be willing to share everything there is to know about a course he still calls home we had the best British Open Royal Troon course guide you could ever hope for… 366 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.017 (12th hardest) it’s got to be the easiest front nine in championship golf your score has to be made on the opening stretch A birdie is definitely in the offing as long as you avoid the bunker front-left at 320 yards and a new one on the right at 300 yards If someone like Rory gets the right kick with his drive And even if you’re in one of the five sand traps covering that front half There is always a risk of blocking your tee shot right on the beach you’re not talking about a Royal Birkdale or Carnoustie 389 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.129 (10th) There are cross bunkers at about 340 yards which will stop the big hitters and then hitting a wedge into a pretty benign green with four bunkers coming 20 yards up The R&A will try to protect the front nine 376 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 3.966 (15th) Depending on the wind and overhead conditions some players may try to clear the burn which cuts across the fairway What I would say is that the putting surface is quite difficult They can put the pin right at the very front The green does slope away from you and will gather towards a back pin the 2nd at 389 yards and now the 3rd at 376 yards You don’t get a start like that on many golf courses 599 yards | Par 5 | Scoring average: 4.72 (18th) but they’ve lengthened it so much that it’s now 77 yards from the members’ tee The aim is to keep out of the bunkers on the left There is an extremely narrow entrance to the green with about six yards of room to get it between the two front bunkers It’s a tricky green with a big plateau on the right which then feeds down to the left The pin positions mean it can be quite difficult to get close 220 yards | Par 3 | Scoring average: 4.129 (8th) the difficulty here will be stopping the ball You’ve got to clear that first bunker at 205 yards Over the right-hand bunker is always your line because the green slopes from right to left Anything pulled left will tend to find one of the two bunkers which drops down towards the fence protecting the beach 623 yards | Par 5 | Scoring average: 4.934 (16th) The longest hole on The Open rota now it’s been lengthened It’s a very tight drive and you want to favour the right side just inside that first bunker at 300 yards Anything left will be grabbed by one of the other three bunkers – I’ve been in them many times because the fairway cambers right to left it’s possibly the narrowest green on the course but it’s framed by heavy dunes on both sides There’s also a nasty bunker 20 or 30 yards short on the right It’s gettable but those pins won’t be in the middle of the greens 403 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 3.972 (14th) The most elevated tee shot on the property or you can go for it and risk finding trouble with the 10th hole behind and the 8th tee on the right It gets quite busy around there during The Open There’s also a possibility that a few players may look to cut the corner of the dog-leg If you hook it and the wind is off the right you’re borderline going over the 8th green to get it close The last 10 yards are very much uphill to another narrow green 123 yards | Par 3 | Scoring average: 3.089 (11th) If the 8th played in the same direction as the first seven But there’s a 180-degree turn from playing the 7th you’re hitting your tee shot off the back foot because the wind is into and off the left you also know that you can make double bogey or worse if you pull it into the coffin bunker – which is aptly named – on the left side The green slopes hard down to the right which is a big issue if you’re in that bunker You can’t stop it going over the other side and then you start playing ping pong with the damn thing Anything heading towards the pin is a mistake because it’s only eight yards across and six of that is unusable so you use that fat part to two-putt and get the hell off It is regularly said Troon really bares its teeth from the 11th hole So named because the putting surface has been “skimmed down to the size of a Postage Stamp” it is the shortest – and most devilish – par 3 on any Open course “but you can make a double quite easily.” Tiger shot a 64 in the third round in 1997 to vault into contention before kissing his hopes goodbye with a triple-bogey six on the 8th The list of names who have fallen victim to its intricacies is long and yet very few have a bad word to say about it 440 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.169 (7th) Off the tee on 9 you need to miss the bunkers on the left-hand side and keep it right which leaves a blind second – the first we have on the course You can just about see the top of the pin on what is a very slopey They tend to put the pin back right and there’s a severe slope to get up with run-offs all around Depending on what you’ve made on the 8th dictates how you play it 450 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.369 (3rd) The front nine is 3,500 yards downwind and yet the back nine is almost 3,900 into wind You’ve got to make you score going out and hang on all the way back On the 10th you’re almost teeing off on the edge of Prestwick airport you have to wait for it because you can almost touch the tyres It’s the furthest point out on the course and it’s a hell of a hole and all you see is large sandhills in your way there’s heavy rough on the left and some big hollows and hills with gorse on the right Normally the second shot is played with a long iron uphill into a very sloping green but it’s far more challenging from the right where there’s a really big drop 498 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.559 (1st) I guarantee that 11 will be the hardest hole It’s usually played into wind and all you can see in front of you from the Championship tee is gorse It doesn’t invite confidence I can assure you I’d say 11 is the toughest driving hole in championship golf With the second shot you’re thinking about the out of bounds on the right The railway line is only a few yards off the green on the right It’s a dramatic hole and the front left bunker gets a lot of traffic Most players will be delighted to get in there giving themselves a chance to get up and down The 11th consistently ranks as the hardest hole on the course A blind tee shot over a sea of gorse is made worse by out of bounds and a railway track running down the entire right side that Jack Nicklaus took 10 blows via the gorse Arnold Palmer would later refer to it as the toughest hole in Open golf while Nicklaus went one better and called it the hardest hole in Britain 451 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.275 (4th) You’re normally dealing with a right-to-left wind and a fairway which is very narrow The tee shot plays into a slight gully and right or left is not good The green is another which is tough to hit in regulation It slopes towards you and has a little plateau at the back where they like to put the pin I guarantee it will be there at least three days But the most important thing is avoiding the bunker on the right-hand side of the green When MarkCalcavecchia won he was hitting off a bank on the left and then slam dunked it straight into the hole 473 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.219 (6th) The only hole on the course without a bunker It’s a difficult drive because you need to favour the left side so you don’t run into the humps and hollows on the right if you do go there you can’t get the distance because you’ve got to hit the ball up in the air to clear them you’re dealing with a narrow entrance to a small green which repels balls down the slope I’d consider it the second hardest hole after the 11th 200 yards | Par 3 | Scoring average: 3.004 (13th) You’ve got 20 yards of freedom over those bunkers There are humps and hollows all over the place at the back but at the same time it’s quite a flat surface 502 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.403 (2nd) It’s another painfully tight drive and anything right feeds into those bunkers The safe play is to keep it short of the bunker on the left side The green sits down in a bowl and you need to get over some big humps which isn’t always easy if you’re hitting from the rough The only nice thing about the hole is that the green is probably the flattest on the entire course 572 yards | Par 5 | Scoring average: 4.813 (17th) This is where we’re reintroduced to the burn that crosses the 3rd hole You’re talking 300 yards to clear the burn It’s a bit of a shot to nothing to be honest Ninety percent will lay-up and then you’ve got half a chance of reaching it from 250 yards into wind There’s a hell of a lot going on because even if you lay-up There are five strong bunkers around a narrow Avoiding the bunker that is 60 yards short of the green on the right is also key 242 yards | Par 3 | Scoring average: 3.234 (5th) It’s well bunkered on the right because there’s a big run-off on the left You need to commit with your tee shot and if they put the pin at the back it could be a 3-wood or driver for some players into wind There are not many birdies here because the green is set quite high Imagine trying to stop a 3-wood on a plateau green which is quite firm in the summer 458 yards | Par 4 | Scoring average: 4.132 (9th) From the members’ tee it’s an 85-yard walk back to the house It’s a very strong finishing hole – we’re not talking St Andrews here where you’re looking at eagle or birdie You want to avoid – as Henrik Stenson was fortunate to do in 2016 – the bunker on the right at 300 yards You want to stop it just in front because anything left is likely to catch one of the three bunkers over there well-bunkered on the right-hand side especially which they do on a slope just over the bunker and that’s a very difficult shot if you miss left But the two bunkers on the right gobble up a lot of balls It’s the longest green on the course and two yards over the back is the out of bounds Greg Norman famously came a cropper after thinning it out of a bunker especially if you get a flyer from the rough The changes come amid large investments in the company’s digital transformation and the formation of Troon Digital a team specifically tasked with leveraging technology to improve golf course operations and golfer experiences at Troon-managed facilities Troon is replacing its 27-year-old Troon Card program that enabled golfers to book discounted tee times within a 3-day booking window members of both tiers of Troon Access will enjoy more consistent play rewards and extended booking windows Members will also be able to leverage their benefits more seamlessly as Troon launched a brand-new website and booking experience The new Troon.com provides a best-in-class experience for users to easily find and make tee times at their favourite Troon-affiliated golf facilities and track “We’re excited to launch the Troon Access program and a new suite of digital products including an improved Troon.com,” said Chief Digital Officer “These enhancements will improve operational efficiency and revenue opportunities for our courses and will greatly benefit the golfer’s booking and loyalty experience.” Both tiers provide consistent year-round value with preferred pricing at 150-plus Troon-affiliated facilities across the U.S Golfers will be able to access their tee time benefits up to 60-days in advance and Access+ members will receive larger savings within a 3-day booking window members will also be eligible to play in member-only events and access exclusive partner offers from brands like Avis “The launch of Troon Access and the new Troon.com represent a major leap forward for enhancing the pre-golf guest experience,” said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz while providing greater value and flexibility for those passionate about the game and playing at Troon-affiliated courses The new Troon.com is just the start of a larger digital roll out We are committed to leveraging technology to continuously improve the guest experience.” Future Troon Access+ benefits will include member exclusive events opportunities to play with celebrities and special access to select Troon-managed private clubs The new Troon.com was designed to serve multiple facets of Troon’s business including management services and consumer engagement The changes will make it easier for users to navigate offering different paths for visitors looking for management services information or tee times the new website also features a new booking engine which seamlessly integrates with NBC Sports Next technology The booking experience allows golfers a single sign-on experience to make tee times The site of a former public convenience at Barassie Beach is to become a new restaurant offering panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde Casa Architects envisages a single-storey development split into two distinct sections to reduce its apparent scale from the road It is finished with a smooth off-white render with composite cladding on a blue brick base In a planning statement Casa wrote: "The building has been designed ‘in the round’ to give active appropriate and interesting frontages as the site is viewed from all sides Nautical themes have been drawn in a contemporary design "The proposed facility will have some visual effect on the surrounding area however it should be noted that this site was already a brownfield site containing a large It is hoped that the facility will provide an exciting restaurant development at the North Shore area for locals to use bring jobs and tourists to South Ayrshire." Incorporating an ice cream kiosk and outdoor terrace the venture will utilise an adjacent council-owned car park with the owners agreeing to lease the facility in return for upgrading and maintaining it.   All comments are pre-moderated and must obey our house rules. CloseThe long-delayed Glen Sannox ferry has completed its first official return journey between Troon and Brodick on the island of Arran The ferry - which was meant to be delivered almost seven years ago - is the first new large vessel to join the UK's largest ferry fleet in nearly a decade The vessel will make three return sailings on the route each day It had completed a return test sailing on the route from the Scottish mainland to Arran on Sunday Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch as MV Glen Sannox sets sail from Troon to Arran 00:01:06Watch as MV Glen Sannox sets sail from Troon to Arran 1:06Up Next Watch: The Glen Sannox ferry saga in two minutes 00:02:31Watch: The Glen Sannox ferry saga in two minutes 2:31Editor's recommendationsWatch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz Accepting all cookies will ensure you have the best experience possible when visiting TheOpen.com Some of these cookies are necessary to make our site work while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used One Club members have spoken and decided that the Postage Stamp is the greatest par-3 throughout Great Britain and Ireland A panel of golf experts shortlisted 10 of the best par-3s across GB&I and Royal Troon’s famous 8th hole came out on top the Postage Stamp is the shortest hole played in The Open and one of the most iconic holes in world golf It is at the heart of every discussion whenever the Claret Jug returns to that particular corner of Scotland, just as it was when Xander Schauffele triumphed there last July The 16th hole at Royal Portrush – the venue for this year’s Open – was voted into second place Sign-up for free and enjoy a range of benefits and rewards The 236-yard par-3 is known as ‘Calamity Corner’ in so small part due to the giant chasm which sits ominously between tee and green a void which has wrecked countless scorecards over the years And any golfer who has played the hole will confirm; anything right off the tee is in great danger St Andrews’ daunting 11th hole completes the top three Surrounded by five bunkers and further protected by strong winds off the North Sea sloping green which strikes fear into every local caddie.