Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the July 11 issue of Golffweek.
Royal Troon’s back nine isn’t the longest inward half on the British Open rota. Holes 10-18 measure 3,745 yards, 300 yards longer than the outward nine. Royal Liverpool (3,765) and Royal Birkdale (3,756) have longer back nines. However, Troon’s back nine is arguably tougher for one reason: eight holes play in the same direction.
Royal Troon is a classic out-and-back links. The front nine plays predominantly southeast, and irons can be hit off the first three tees, all par 4s.