Royal Troon, Scotland …. Royal Troon will later this year play host to its ninth Open Championship.

However soon after the last Open in 2004 the R & A, in conjunction with the famed Ayshire course, began a study to assess how they could make the course better for the modern game.

Earlier today (Tuesday) we learnt the outcome of that study with changes made to all 18 holes at Royal Troon.

In summary, the course has been lengthened just 15 yards since 2004 to now measure 7,190 yards.

The par three 5th hole at Royal Troon and with the Ailsa Craig in the background.

The biggest changes to the course encompass six holes – the 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th and the 16th.

Here is the changes to these six holes:-

4th – The fairway bunkers have been moved left.  An approach bunker and dunes added left.  The green has been extended left rear and there has been an artificial mound replaced at the rear of the green.

8th – Green extended at front.  Green slope from Coffin  Bunker softened.

9th –  Tee enlarged.  Gorse cleared to the left of carry and area restored to bare sand.  Greeen surrounds reshaped. Threes behind the green replaced with dunes. In 2004 the ninth measured 423 yards but in 2016 it will measure 422 yards.

10th – Back tee added.  Wetland created in carry.  Sandhills Bunker in carry restored. In 2004 the 10th measured 438 yards and in 2016 it will play 451 yards.

15th – Tees moved to the left side of 14th green.  First part of the fairway moved well left and four fairways bunkers added – two either side. This hole measured 483 years 12 years ago and in 2016 it is 16 yards longer and now measuring 499 yards.

16th – Back tee added.  Dunes added right of fairway on both sides of the burn and beyond the burn on left.  Green extended rear left and right.

The 16th green with a dramatic skyline background at Royal Troon