Royal Troon Golf Club, Portland Course

Established in 1878, Royal Troon, which was handed royal patronage in 1978, has established itself among the world's most famous clubs, but while the Old Course is one of the finest links courses in the world, it's slightly shorter neighbour, Troon Portland, is also worth a look.

Unfairly overshadowed, Portland is a genuine links course that opened in 1885 and is very similar in style to the Old, although it's a little shorter and more forgiving.

It was redesigned in 1921 to ensure it lives up to the high standards at Royal Troon and it certainly does that, boasting its own cosy clubhouse and immaculate round of golf.

Located further inland, the Portland Course is quite frankly one of Scotland's more underrated courses, from its perfect conditioning to compelling holes. A must-play in any trip to this part of the country.