Royal Troon (Portland Course)

It’s more inland than its Open-holding neighbour, considerably shorter (6,298 yards, par 71) and cheaper, but the Portland still provides a true links challenge. The biggest surprise is the greens. They’re just as good if not better that those next door. The holes gently meander over firm, crips terrain overlooked by swathes of heather and broom and Portland is unusual in that all four of its par-5s are on the back nine. Watch out for the Stroke Index one par-4 6th and the short par-4 17th, with a burn running down the left hand side which has wrecked many a scorecard. Oct, 05

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Royal Troon's second golf course, the Portland course opened in 1895 and is more inland than it's Open-hosting neighbour. A shorter and easier challenger than the Old course, the Portland is no easy test and there is four par-5s on the back nine.

The course is protected by gorse and broom which shelters most of it's holes, including the five par-3s on the course.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 4.5 out of 5 Forgiveness 30 June 2006

  By Anonymous

  Having played the championship course the day previously, this came as a pleasant surprise. Not least because the tees and greens were the equal of its more famous counterpart. Slightly wider fairways, less gorse and more forgiving make it seem easier, but it still had the ability to bite back. Playing at the height of summer didn't do me any favours though, the wind and rain were just slightly warmer than in the winter. Great all round experience.