The 152nd Open returns to Royal Troon in the United Kingdom for the tenth time during the third week in July. The proffered Claret Jug has become a clarion call not only to the ambitious pros who want to hoist it above their heads in victory but also for the devoted amateurs who want to witness golf’s oldest major championship in person.
Royal Troon is located in South Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland and is one of golfdom’s most storied and historic names. Many of the amateurs in attendance will be from the USA and will be using The Open Championship as a grand excuse to tee it up as well as to watch the event.
Scotland is a golfer’s paradise as every aficionado knows. Besides Royal Troon, the hallowed heather of Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Muirfield, North Berwick, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, St. Andrews, and Turnberry—to name a few more—have been must golf destinations for decades. And, yet, Scotland also boasts many other distinguished layouts that have remained below the highly acclaimed radar.
Panmure Golf Club , which dates back to 1845 and is the world’s 21st oldest golf club, is one such venue to which I have just recently been introduced. About 120 miles northeast of Troon on the east coast of Scotland, Panmure is in the town of Barry and only 1.5 miles away from another Open site, Carnoustie. With the venerable ministrations of Old Tom Morris in 1899 and some complementary changes by five-time Open champion James Braid in 1922, most of these original holes remain in play.
The par-70 course measures 6,551 yards and combines the best elements of links and heathland, with tight fairways, challenging carries, and undulating greens. True to links golf, holes play mostly firm and fast while the rolling fairways wind through dunes and pine trees, leading to greens that are protected by proper Scottish bunkers.
Panmure has hosted many prestigious championships over the years, ranging from national amateur tournaments to final qualifying for The Open Championship. It’s also the 2024 qualifying venue for the Seniors Open at Carnoustie. Plus, it was recently nominated for best £100-to-£250 green fee course at the Scottish Golf Tourism awards and is ranked No. 34 among Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Scotland. Golf Digest ranks it No. 32 in Scotland on its list of The Best Golf Courses in Every Country.
Panmure’s iconic clubhouse is also one of the finest old golf buildings in Scotland and was architecturally modeled after Royal Calcutta Golf Club. It offers three uniquely charming lounges, perfect for post-round beverages.
Panmure remains a private member’s club, but the Club Secretary invites serious and competent visiting golfers to experience the authentic, classic design. As the website says, “A warm Scottish welcome awaits.”
https://www.panmuregolfclub.co.uk
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