Royal Troon Golf Club is a links golf course located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. The club was founded in 1878, initially with five holes. George Strath was appointed in 1881 as the club's first golf professional. The club was granted its "Royal" accolade in 1978. Its Old Course is now one of the host courses for The Open Championship, one of the major championships on the PGA Tour and European Tour. The Club has hosted the Open eight times, last in 2004, won by Todd Hamilton in a 4-hole playoff against Ernie Els.