The stage is set, the tension is high, and the world is watching! Welcome to Royal Troon, one of golf’s most famous and challenging courses. The top golfers have started their voyage to clinch the historic Claret Jug in the 152nd editing of the golf’s oldest major. But amidst the Scottish landscape, a secret lies in wait, ready to test the skills of even the bravest golfers. It’s a painful challenge that can make or break an Open champion’s dreams. 

As players step onto the greens, the mystery begins to unravel. The culprit behind the chaos is none other than the infamous ‘Postage Stamp’—a tiny hole that packs a massive punch. Measuring just 123 yards, it’s the shortest hole on the course, and in fact, the whole “rota” of The Open but don’t let its size fool you. The Postage Stamp has a reputation for being one of the toughest golf holes.

Explore The Open 2024’s Postage Stamp, a tiny but tough challenge

If you thought it was just the name that was intimidating, wait until you see the hole itself. No Laying Up on X posted a short video, which showed how it is to be there. To start with, the tee is perched on high ground, and golfers must take a deep breath before hitting a precise shot down into the valley below. The green is nestled in a sandy hollow, protected by two bunkers on the left and a massive crater bunker guarding the approach. 

And if the professionals come out unscathed from the first obstacle and, by mistake, stray far too right, they’ll find themselves staring up at the steep faces of two deep bunkers. There’s no room for error here; the tee shot should better find the green or face worldly troubles. “Green good, miss green bad,” as the legendary Tiger Woods has said, hole 8 of the Royal Troon is a hell of an obstacle. 

Apart from the 15x major champ, several other pros have shown a healthy respect for the Postage Stamp. Past U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland is one of them. The 40-year-old was spotted practicing his sand wedge in the bunker, and his caddie, Brennan Little, couldn’t help but crack, “That must be the coffin bunker. It really does look like a coffin.” Colin Beard, a hole marshal and member at nearby Troon Welbeck Golf Club, nodded in agreement, saying, “It’s death to the average player. It’s a killer.” 

With the professionals nodding to the Postage Stamp’s toughness, fans can expect that when players tee at hole 8, the sight will be fascinating for them. But have you ever wondered how this infamous hole got its name?

The history of the infamous ‘Postage Stamp’ hole 

Originally, it was called ‘Ailsa‘, which also means ‘elf victory’ and is also a nod to the stunning view of the rocky islet from the tee. However, its current name, ‘Postage Stamp‘ was coined by none other than William Park, who won the Open Championship in 1887 and 1889.

The two-time Open Champion wrote in ‘Golf Illustrated‘, famously described the tiny putting surface as a pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a Postage Stamp. His fitting description not only coined the hole’s iconic name but also solidified its reputation as a formidable challenge. The name has stuck ever since, striking fear into the hearts of golfers worldwide.

Today, the ‘Postage Stamp‘ remains a feared and respected hole in golf. Its small size belies its big reputation, and golfers from around the world come to test their skills on this tiny titan. Who among the Open challengers will take on this par-3 hole in style? Only time will tell. But what’s your say on this titan of a hole? Share with us in the comments section below.