If youre going to Scotland, you drink beer; you visit the castles and hunt for the Nessie and you play a round at the Royal Troons Old Course. That is, unless you want to commit sacrilege! A true test of a golfers skills, The Old Course at the Royal Troon is considered one of the toughest courses in the world.

Ranked as one of the best links golf courses in the world, Royal Troon was designed by Willie Fernie and George Straith in 1878. Fernie created a layout that owns the toughest back nine on the Open Championship circuit, which the club has hosted a total of seven times, the most recent being in 2004.

There is a whiff of history rising from every hole on this 7,150 yards layout. The course that has seen golf greats like Arnold Palmer, Bobby Locke and Tom Weiskopf triumph on its grounds challenges a player to his limits. Designed to let none get away easy; The Old Course offers relatively easy opening holes to an adept player. However, the narrow fairways require accurate tee shots and a refined touch is needed on the small greens.

Heavy, trick bunkering makes for a good game on the front nine but the real trouble starts on the famous back nine. Intense northwesterly winds and a rap on the knuckle for wayward shots are the main highlights and the most demanding holes are the 7th to the 13th.

Relief comes in the form of breathtaking views of the Ailsa Craig and imposing mountains on the Isle of Arran adding to the beauty of the game. Ultimately, The Royal Troon is a satisfying experience for the discerning golfer who wants to keep his skill level scaled upwards.