Royal Troon Golf Club Hole by Hole: Hole 9
The closing hole on the back nine is named 'The Monk'
A guide to the ninth hole on the Old Course at Royal Troon ahead of the 145th Open Championship
Royal Troon Golf Club Hole by Hole: Hole 9
Hole 9 - Par 4 - 422 yards
The ninth is known as 'The Monk' as it faces the village of Monkton.
The final hole on the front nine is a tricky one that will catch many out with two strategically placed bunkers which are both in play off the tee.
This dogleg-right par-4 requires a drive that stays short of the bunkers, although the long hitters can cut the corner slightly hitting it right of the sand.
A good drive will leave a mid-to-short iron in to this two-tiered green.
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Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He covered the 2022 and 2025 Masters from Augusta National and was there by the 18th green to watch Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam. He has also covered five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews.