The 152nd open championship at Royal Troon will introduce a record-setting 623-yard hole, alongside the potential for the shortest in the tournament’s history

Royal Troon is gearing up to offer an unprecedented challenge at the 152nd Open Championship this July, featuring the longest hole in the history of the tournament. The sixth hole will extend to a staggering 623 yards, marking a significant increase from its length during the 2016 Open. This change is part of a series of modifications designed to enhance the historic Ayrshire links course.

In contrast to the expanded sixth hole, Royal Troon will also spotlight the iconic par-three eighth hole, known as the ‘Postage Stamp’. This hole is set to potentially become the shortest in the championship’s history at just 99 yards, depending on weather conditions, utilizing a forward tee and front pin placement.

The Royal & Ancient (R&A), responsible for organizing the event, has collaborated with architects Mackenzie & Ebert to generally extend the links. The total course length for the 2024 Open will now be 7,385 yards, just shy of the record set at Carnoustie in 2007. Adjustments include the creation of nine new tees and strategic repositioning of bunkers to challenge the world’s best golfers.

These changes are part of broader efforts to modernize the course while maintaining its classic challenges. The tournament is already generating significant interest, with all tickets sold out and an anticipated record attendance of 250,000 spectators, reflecting a notable increase from the crowd at the 2016 event.

As Royal Troon prepares to host the battle for the Claret Jug, both players and fans can look forward to a dynamic and potentially historic Open Championship.