The Open's Postage Stamp measures 100 yards on Sunday, R&A switches up hole where players previously struggled
The eighth hole of Royal Troon will measure only 100 yards for the final round of The Open Championship on Sunday, July 21. This par-3 hole on the front nine, popularly called the Postage Stamp, has been a challenge for many players this week.
Known as one of the most challenging holes, it measures just 123 yards but has posed a significant threat to the players past and present. Golfers have struggled to hit their shots due to the deep bunker, which makes it difficult for them to get their ball out. The reduced distance might provide some relief but also brings the bunkers into play more than before.
In the first three rounds of this year's Open Championship, not a single eagle has been made on the hole, despite it being one of the shortest on the course. However, some players have been fortunate enough to make birdies. A total of 74 birdies have been recorded on the hole, along with 227 pars so far. There have also been 34 double bogeys on the hole this year at The Open Championship.
While the hole has a long history of difficulty, in 1973 Gene Sarazen recorded an ace on it. However, players have struggled on the hole so far in this year's edition. It will be interesting to see if the reduction in distance changes things. The final round of The Open Championship is currently underway at Royal Troon.
In the final round, at the time of writing, three birdies have been made on the hole, along with 12 pars, three bogeys, and two double bogeys.
The Open Championship hole stats
Here are the stats of all the holes of Royal Troon for The Open Championship 2024:
Hole 1: Par 4
- - Yards: 366
- - Eagles: 1
- - Birdies: 53
- - Pars: 278
- - Bogeys: 83
- - Double Bogeys: 11
Hole 2: Par 4
- - Yards: 389
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 47
- - Pars: 287
- - Bogeys: 78
- - Double Bogeys: 11
Hole 3: Par 4
- - Yards: 376
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 75
- - Pars: 245
- - Bogeys: 94
- - Double Bogeys: 6
Hole 4: Par 5
- - Yards: 599
- - Eagles: 2
- - Birdies: 98
- - Pars: 242
- - Bogeys: 61
- - Double Bogeys: 15
Hole 5: Par 3
- - Yards: 220
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 23
- - Pars: 241
- - Bogeys: 137
- - Double Bogeys: 15
Hole 6: Par 5
- - Yards: 623
- - Eagles: 1
- - Birdies: 55
- - Pars: 255
- - Bogeys: 82
- - Double Bogeys: 19
Hole 7: Par 4
- - Yards: 403
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 85
- - Pars: 235
- - Bogeys: 82
- - Double Bogeys: 8
Hole 8: Par 3
- - Yards: 123
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 75
- - Pars: 228
- - Bogeys: 71
- - Double Bogeys: 34
Hole 9: Par 4
- - Yards: 440
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 30
- - Pars: 262
- - Bogeys: 95
- - Double Bogeys: 19
Hole 10: Par 4
- - Yards: 450
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 37
- - Pars: 260
- - Bogeys: 102
- - Double Bogeys: 7
Hole 11: Par 4
- - Yards: 498
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 26
- - Pars: 245
- - Bogeys: 87
- - Double Bogeys: 44
Hole 12: Par 4
- - Yards: 451
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 26
- - Pars: 232
- - Bogeys: 117
- - Double Bogeys: 23
Hole 13: Par 4
- - Yards: 473
- - Eagles: 1
- - Birdies: 44
- - Pars: 255
- - Bogeys: 83
- - Double Bogeys: 13
Hole 14: Par 3
- - Yards: 200
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 28
- - Pars: 296
- - Bogeys: 63
- - Double Bogeys: 7
Hole 15: Par 4
- - Yards: 502
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 40
- - Pars: 249
- - Bogeys: 89
- - Double Bogeys: 12
Hole 16: Par 5
- - Yards: 572
- - Eagles: 6
- - Birdies: 119
- - Pars: 204
- - Bogeys: 55
- - Double Bogeys: 6
Hole 17: Par 3
- - Yards: 242
- - Eagles: 1
- - Birdies: 17
- - Pars: 260
- - Bogeys: 103
- - Double Bogeys: 7
Hole 18: Par 4
- - Yards: 458
- - Eagles: 0
- - Birdies: 68
- - Pars: 264
- - Bogeys: 51
- - Double Bogeys: 5
Total: Par 71
- - Yards: 7385
- - Eagles: 12
- - Birdies: 946
- - Pars: 4538
- - Bogeys: 1533
- - Double Bogeys: 262
The above-mentioned stats are accurate at the time of writing of this article but are subject to change with the completion of the final round.