Tiger Woods triple-bogeyed the hole in 1997, sinking his chance at the Open Championship. Greg Norman played all of Royal Troon perfectly on the final day of the Open in 1989 -- except for a bogey on 8 that guaranteed his unfortunate playoff. This year, Bubba Watson raced out to the tournament lead (5-under par through 7 holes) before a triple bogey on 8 brought him back to Earth.
The Postage Stamp at Royal Troon is the most dangerous short hole in Europe
The eighth hole at Royal Troon is only 123 yards long but notoriously difficult. Nicknamed “the Postage Stamp,” its tiny green and ruthless bunkers have frustrated golfers for more than a century.
It is the Postage Stamp: a mere 123 yards from the tee to the farthest edge of the tiny green, something that should be an easy wedge or 9-iron for birdie, but is instead a haunted funhouse of grave-like bunkers and whipping Scottish wind. Saving par is a challenge that requires patience, precision and more than a little luck. Its reputation as the most dangerous short hole in Europe is well-deserved, and its infamous legend will only grow at this year’s Open at Royal Troon.
