Par 71, yardage 7,150. This private club was founded in 1878 and has hosted the Open Championships on a number of occasions. Royal Troon features holes like the original Postage Stamp (No.8) where Tiger Woods had so much trouble in 1997. One of the great links courses in Scotland, the Old Course is a challenging test of golfing ability. With the wind to contend with, and deep rough interspersed with gorse and broom, accurate shot making is essential. Players should make their scores on the outward nine, as the prevailing north-westerly wind can make the back nine extremely difficult. The No. 13 hole has proven to be the most difficult to par during the Open Championships.

Maximum handicap: 20 men, 30 women.

Par 71, yardage 6,289. Although a links course, the Portland is a little more sheltered than the Royal Troon Old Course and, of course, shorter. The holes meander through terrain filled with gorse and broom and has a generous helping of par-3s, five in all. This is tempered however, with four par-5s, all of which are on the back nine. Unfairly overshadowed by its bigger brother, Portland is a genuine links course and remains in excellent condition throughout the year.
Maximum handicap: 20 men, 30 women.

Long regarded as one of the finest courses in the world, the Ailsa came to international prominence with the famous "Duel in the Sun" between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson over the four days of the 1977 Open. The Ailsa has hosted four Open Championships and is consistently rated as one of Britain's top three courses, confirmation that gives it eminence worlwide, with regular rankings within the world's top 20 courses.  Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with Arran and Ailsa Craig as backdrops, the par-71, 6,474-yard Turnberry Ailsa scenery mesmerizes golfers as they navigate one of the most challenging and stunning golf courses in the world.  Perhaps the ninth hole is Turnberry's trademark, the remote tee set on a rocky promontory on the edge of the sea, the drive across the corner of the bay and a glimpse of the site of Bruce's Castle. Golfers can stop at the turn for a "wee dram" or a quick lunch at the Turnberry iconic lighthouse before continuing your round over the last nine.