Royal Troon is routed like many links courses in Scotland, 8 holes out laid end to end, play one or two or three across, then come back to the clubhouse with the rest laid end to end for the finish.
The reason is simple. Links courses were built on narrow bits of land linking the sea to the mainland, on sandy soil often accompanied by the seaside grasses and large dunes formed by the wind. Royal Dornach up by Inverness for example is the same.
Throw in deep rough, gorse and broom and the wind and you have a test worthy of the champion golfer of the year
The prevailing wind often blows in the same direction from the northwest, so at Royal Troon the wind will be at your back on the way out, then right in your face, quartering from the left on the way in. Scoring will be much easier on the front nine, par will be your friend on the back.
It has been a wet spring on the west coast of Scotland, there is rain and wind and sunshine all in the forecast to add to the drama, the course is looking very green.
Here is a great look at each hole with a playing description of each.
http://www.theopen.com/TheCourse#!/
Bryan Angus
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