From Postage Stamp to Turnberry: the extremes of Royal Troon at the 152nd Open

The 152nd Open Championship, the oldest and most prestigious tournament in golf, will take place at the iconic Royal Troon Golf Club from July 18 to 21.

The 152nd Open Championship, the oldest and most prestigious tournament in golf, will take place at the iconic Royal Troon Golf Club from July 18 to 21. As the year’s final major, this historic event promises a week filled with thrilling competition and memorable moments on one of the world’s most challenging courses and connects you to the sport’s rich legacy.

Royal Troon (par 71), a venue hosting The Open for the tenth time, has seen several great champions such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Bobby Locke, Justin Leonard, and most recently, Henrik Stenson in 2016. This year’s The Open promises to be just as thrilling with a star-studded lineup that includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka, and Collin Morikawa. And, of course, Tiger Woods. We can’t wait to see what this edition has in store!

Royal Troon extremes

Royal Troon, a Scottish course steeped in history and tradition, is a treasure trove of secrets and stories that have shaped its legendary status. The course boasts two particularly notable holes among its many renowned features: the sixth and the eighth. Each offers a unique challenge and a distinct place in the Open Championship history, promising an intriguing and exciting experience for all.

At 601 yards, the sixth hole at Royal Troon is the longest in Open Championship history. It demands precision and power from the tee, with an arrow-straight drive needed to land between fairway bunkers on both sides. The second shot, typically with a fairway wood, must be aimed slightly left to avoid the right-side bunker, setting up a soft pitch to a narrow green framed by picturesque sand dunes.

The eighth hole, the “Postage Stamp,” is the shortest in Open Championship history, measuring just 123 yards. And from the front tee to a short flag, it’s just 99 yards. Originally called “Ailsa” for its perfect view of the rocky islet of that name, it earned its current moniker when William Park described the green as “a pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a postage stamp” in Golf Illustrated. The tee shot is played from high ground over a gully to a long, narrow green set into a sandhill. Bunkers on the left and a large crater bunker guarding the approach add to the challenge, making accuracy paramount. Over the years, this tiny target has been the downfall of many top players, underscoring its reputation as a deceptively tricky hole.

As the world’s best golfers gather at Royal Troon, Tee Times Golf Agency extends its best wishes to all participants and spectators. We hope you enjoy a spectacular week of golf at the year’s final major. May the players find inspiration in the rich history of this remarkable course, and may the fans revel in the excitement and beauty of the game.

Photos by: Royal Troon.

Finca Cortesin and the 2023 Solheim Cup: a golf championship venue like no other

Finca Cortesin, nestled in the charming town of Casares on the Andalusian coast, stands as a unique gem in Tee Times Golf Agency‘s Spanish collection. Spanning 215 hectares, this opulent golf resort is divided into six grand areas: an internationally acclaimed hotel, an exceptional residential offering, a championship golf course, an extraordinary spa and sports area, a stunning beach club, and an exclusive shopping gallery.

The resort’s exceptional site allows easy access to Marbella, the capital of Costa del Sol, and Puerto Banús and Sotogrande, two of the Mediterranean’s most significant marinas, for unforgettable Spain golf holidays. The Malaga International Airport is just a 50-minute drive away, and Gibraltar’s airport is even closer, at a 15-minute drive.

Finca Cortesin Golf Course: a renowned design

Finca Cortesin’s golf course, designed by Cabell Robinson, is world-renowned, having hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship three times (2009, 2011, and 2012) and, most recently, the Solheim Cup in 2023. This event marked Spain’s first time hosting the prestigious tournament, held from September 18 to 24, 2023. The competition saw Europe’s top female golfers face off against the United States, culminating in a historic tie, the first in the Solheim Cup’s history. The European team retained the cup thanks to Carlota Ciganda’s decisive putt on the 17th hole.

Golf Digest ranked Finca Cortesin among the best golf courses in Spain. The 18-hole course harmoniously integrates the natural Mediterranean landscape, offering an aesthetically stunning and challenging golf experience. The meticulously maintained fairways and greens and the perfect climate provide an ideal setting for year-round golf.

The resort’s hotel, ranked among the world’s top 50, ensures unparalleled luxury. Upon arrival, security guides guests to the appropriate parking area, where service assistants take care of their golf equipment, providing a seamless and opulent experience.

Finca Cortesin and sustainability

Finca Cortesin’s dedication to sustainability is unwavering, earning the prestigious GEO Certified® seal in July 2023. The resort’s golf course sets a benchmark, using 100% reclaimed water from nearby Manilva, surpassing the 50% requirement set by ACOSOL for efficient water use. Advanced water management techniques and weather monitoring systems ensure optimal water usage year-round, reflecting our deep-rooted commitment to the environment.

Finca Cortesin is not just a golf destination but a complete resort experience. It offers natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and world-class golf. It is one of the best high-level experiences for Spain golf holidays with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Photos by: Finca Cortesin & LPGA Tour.

Real Guadalhorce Golf Club will receive strong hitters for the Spain LDET Championship

The Real Guadalhorce Golf Club is set to host the Spain Long Drive European Tour (LDET) Championship on September 20th and 21st, marking the second time the tour will visit this prestigious venue. Nestled in Málaga, just 15 minutes from the international airport and 10 minutes from the historic city centre, Real Guadalhorce provides an idyllic setting for this thrilling competition. With its tranquil environment and top-tier facilities, the club is primed to offer participants an unparalleled experience.

“We are very proud to welcome the tournament in September,” said Ignacio Sánchez, Director of Real Guadalhorce Golf Club. “Our location in Málaga, near the international airport, offers the perfect blend of serenity and accessibility. Our team eagerly anticipates the event and looks forward to making the players feel at home.”

The Spain LDET Championship, a tournament known for its fierce competition, is all set to return to Real Guadalhorce. The last time it was held here in 2017 witnessed a nail-biting final where European Champion Matt Nicolle emerged victorious over Steve Curtis. This year’s tournament promises to be equally intense, with top contenders like Nicolle, Teemu Pitkanen, Robin Horvath, and Bry Roberts. The 2017 LDET Champion, Nicolle, returns with a strong track record, including three tour victories. Pitkanen, known for his record-breaking 440-yard drive, and Horvath, who holds the European distance record of 443 yards, will also compete for the title.

About Real Guadalhorce Golf Club

Real Guadalhorce Golf Club, a masterpiece designed by Kosti Kuronen and later enhanced by Ryder Cup winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez, features a challenging 18-hole course. The front nine, designed in an English “parkland” style, offers gentle hills and wide fairways, while the back nine incorporates raised greens and water hazards, increasing the challenge. The entire course, stretching 6194 meters, is enveloped by Mediterranean vegetation, enhancing its beauty and complexity.

The tournament, supported by the Tourism of Málaga and the Málaga Sports and Events Department, highlights Real Guadalhorce’s status as a premier golfing destination. With its modern facilities catering to all family members and a rich history in the golfing world, Real Guadalhorce Golf Club is a top venue for the LDET Championship and a key player in Spain’s golfing landscape. For those seeking an exceptional golfing experience, the club is a must-visit destination, and it is one of the best recommendations Tee Times Golf Agency offers for those looking to enjoy their Spain golf holidays.