Royal Troon Dress Code and Etiquette

The short answer

Royal Troon asks for recognized golf attire on the course and smart dress in the clubhouse. On the links you want a collared golf shirt, tailored trousers or shorts with golf socks, and golf shoes with soft spikes. What is not permitted is just as clear: no denim, no cargo or paramilitary style trousers, no cut offs, tracksuits or t shirts, and no training or sports shoes, flip flops or sliders, either in the clubhouse or out on the course.

Two house rules catch visitors out. First, the Smoke Room requires a jacket and tie for gentlemen, so pack accordingly if you plan to use it. Second, changing your golf clothes or shoes in the car park is strictly forbidden, so arrive ready or use the locker rooms. Waterproofs and headwear come off inside the clubhouse. Get those right and you will fit straight in at one of the game's great championship clubs.

What to wear, in detail

Think classic links golf. A plain or quietly patterned collared shirt, tailored trousers in the cooler months or tailored shorts with golf socks when it is warm, and proper golf shoes will always be right. Mock necks are widely accepted at championship clubs, but the safe choice at Royal Troon is a traditional collar. Leave the denim, the gym wear and the running shoes at the hotel, because none of them pass at the gate or in the clubhouse.

Ayrshire weather does what it likes, so bring waterproofs and warm layers whatever the forecast. Remember that waterproof jackets and hats come off once you step inside the clubhouse, and that the Smoke Room holds gentlemen to a jacket and tie. If you are unsure whether an item is acceptable, a quick call to the pro shop before you travel saves any awkwardness on the day.

Etiquette on the Old Course

The Old Course is a firm, fast links of about 7,200 yards and a par 71, and it rewards golfers who play with pace and care. Keep up with the group in front rather than ahead of the group behind, wave faster groups through when you can, and be ready to play when it is your turn. Rake the bunkers, repair your pitch marks and replace divots, because this is a course that hosts The Open and is presented to that standard.

The short eighth, the famous Postage Stamp, is the shortest hole in Open Championship golf and one of the most photographed, ringed by deep bunkers that have wrecked plenty of cards. Take a caddie if you can, both for the lines and for the local knowledge on the wind, and treat the staff and members with the courtesy you would expect in return. Quiet on the tee, phones away, and a steady tempo will keep your group welcome all the way around.

Access, handicap and when to play

Royal Troon is a private members club that welcomes visitors on limited days, generally midweek on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the playing season. The championship Old Course carries a handicap requirement, indicatively a limit of 20 for men and 30 for women, so carry proof of your handicap. The neighboring Portland Course is a fine links in its own right and is often paired with the Old on a visitor day ticket.

Tee times are scarce and the prime season books up well ahead, so plan early. A visitor day ticket pairing the Old and Portland was set around 495 pounds for the 2027 season, with midweek rounds on the Old Course alone around 250 pounds, both indicative for 2026 to 2027 and always to be confirmed directly before booking. We can secure the tee time, sort the handicap paperwork and build the rest of an Ayrshire trip around it.