Royal Troon Golf Club - Portland Course

About the club

The Portland Course at Royal Troon Golf Club, named after the Dukes of Portland, is a fine links course designed by Willie Fernie and opened in 1896. Originally called the Relief Course, it was renamed in 1924 after the club's first Open in 1923 and Fernie's retirement. Dr. Alister MacKenzie is believed to have reworked some holes. Measuring just under 6,300 yards with a par of 71, the Portland Course lies between the Old Course, the practice ground, the 9-hole Craigend Course, and the Glasgow-Ayr railway line. During the Open, part of the course may serve as a car park. The layout features two loops of nine holes, each returning to separate clubhouses, including one for ladies. The front nine has no par fives, while the back nine offers four short par fives under 500 yards. To play well, golfers should avoid gorse, the railway line, ditches on the closing holes, and strategically placed bunkers.