The Old Course is the championship layout at Royal Troon. The Old Course begins alongside the sea, running southwards in a line for the first six holes. This opening section is quite open, but does require accuracy to avoid deep bunkers. Many good rounds have been fashioned through low scores here, often aided by prevailing downwind conditions. At the 7th hole the Troon Old Course turns further inland, while also changing direction on each of its next six holes. This sector, with two blind tee shots on the tenth and 11th, marks a sharp rise in difficulty from the opening holes. With the 13th hole, the player turns northwards for a long, very stern finish, running parallel to the opening stretch. The player very often has to face a strong prevailing wind.