ROYAL TROON GOLF LINKS (the Old Course) Ayshire, Scotland-1878 Founded in 1878 by a few enthusiasts. The Old Course today presents a stern golfing examination and in particular the inward half of Royal Troon is widely accepted as the most demanding on any Course on the rota. When the Open returns to Royal Troon, it will be the 8th time the competition has been on the course. The first was held in 1923, were Arthur Havers won the cup. Since than it’s roll call of winners include, Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia, Justin Leonard, and Todd Hamilton