By Clive Lindsay

Royal Troon is one of five courses encircling the town

"An uninspiring resort with a seaside golf course," is how Troon is described in its one mention in the Rough Guide to Scotland.

A seaside golf course? Just one of the most famous in the world, which, combined with five others, circles the town pointing out into the Firth of Clyde on Scotland's "Golf Coast".

Granted, there may be an air of the land that time forgot about the 'toun' of Troon and it's certainly no Las Vegas.

With an ageing population of 15,000, one colleague who lives nearby suggested American golf fans will especially love seeing Scotland as it was in the 1950s.

If you don't mind risking goosebumps - and can brave the dreaded 'midgies' as the sun descends - there's two relatively unspoiled sandy beaches.

And the obligatory crazier version of golf - and a forlorn, drained paddling pool - at least add colour to the grey promenade.

But Troon is slowly emerging into the 21st century, having two years ago stolen the ferry services to and from Northern Ireland from rival port Stranraer.

There are plenty of sea views on offer in Troon

Indeed, it should perhaps be renamed O'Troon over the coming days, the routes from Belfast and Larne being fully booked for the duration of its eighth hosting of the Open.

Being the gateway to Scotland for the Irish has given the wee harbour town a new lease of life.

It even has a nightclub for those who have advanced beyond the foxtrot, jive or Highland fling.

And the 300-berth marina now sports an upmarket restaurant and bar complete with a retractable roof.