Royal Troon’s Stretched Sixth Hole Sets Record at The Open 2024
This year’s Open Championship is primed to make history with Royal Troon’s sixth hole being extended to a staggering 623 yards, marking it as the longest hole in the tournament’s storied past. As the 152nd edition of this major unfolds, players and fans alike are set for an unforgettable challenge on the Ayrshire links.
In 2016, when the Open last graced Royal Troon, the sixth hole was already a beast at 601 yards. Fast forward to 2024, and it has grown even more formidable. This addition is part of a broader strategy to extend the overall course by 195 yards compared to the 2016 layout, pushing the total course length to 7,385 yards.
The extension of the sixth hole isn’t just about distance; it’s about drama and strategy. It contrasts sharply with what awaits at the eighth hole, famously known as the “Postage Stamp.” This iconic par-three could play as short as 99 yards with a forward tee placement and a pin teasingly close to the front of the green for one of the tournament rounds. Despite its shorter distance, the Postage Stamp will be no less dramatic, surrounded by an L-shaped grandstand designed to accommodate 1,500 spectators, creating a thrilling arena-like atmosphere.
The 2024 Open is not just setting records with its course layout but also with its expected attendance. An estimated 250,000 fans are anticipated to flock to the event, making it the third most attended in the Open’s history, trailing only behind the 150th Open at St Andrews and last year’s spectacle at Royal Liverpool.
Royal Troon’s blend of the historic and the heroic, the lengthy and the little, sets the stage for a tournament replete with challenges and charm. Whether it’s the daunting 623-yard challenge on the sixth or the diminutive but dangerous Postage Stamp, this year’s Open is geared to be a spectacle of extremes. And with such a dynamic setup, who will rise to the occasion and etch their name into the annals of golfing greatness? The stage is set, and the world is watching. Let the games begin!