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Troon Portland
The Portland Course at Royal Troon is a class second golf course on the complex. Originally designed, William Fernie has since had the magic touch of a redesign by Dr Alister MacKenzie in the early 1920s.
Although a typical Links course, The Portland is more enclosed and less exposed to the elements as its Open Championship sibling.
The Portland is made up of two loops of nine holes. This wonderful links course may seem easy enough on the scorecard, with a front nine just holding a Par of 35 the back 9 holes provide the tougher test of the two loops.
The Course is a beautiful one with the beauty and scent of the gorse bushes, which line most of the golf holes on Portland.
The tees’ quality, greens, and bunkering are right up there and comparable to the Old Course and is an entirely enjoyable round of golf.
The 5 Par 3’s on the course make for an interesting challenge and the 8th Hole “Gravel” is a stunning little hole where finding the dancefloor is all but essential. The hole only plays just over 140 yards from the back tees, but stray away from the target, and thick heavy gorse and some well-protected bunkers will turn a birdie opportunity into a disaster.
Of course, The Portland course will somewhat always be overshadowed by the Old Course Championship Links. However, if you are looking for a true hidden gem, we feel it could be one of the most underrated golf courses in Scotland, Then the Portland Course could be it.
Playing a golf course with two infamous course architects responsible for the layout at such a great price is just unheard of. We believe that the Portland course at Royal Troon should certainly feature in any tour of Aryshire and urge you to try for yourself.
Signature Hole
The 11th hole is the first of the par 5’s on the inward nine. Treat this hole with respect. Ensure that your drive avoids the fairway bunkers’ right and leaves of the fairway as they will make this a tough test if found. The second shot is a dogleg down to undulating green and guarded by the greenside bunkers.
