[2][3] The event was the first Senior Open Championship played at Royal Troon Golf Club, taking place at the club's Old Course, designed by Willie Fernie and George Strath.

The club was founded in 1878 and had previously hosted The Open Championship eight times.

18-hole stroke play qualifying rounds were held on Monday, 21 July, on three places in Scotland, Dundonald Links Golf Club, Western Gailes Golf Club and Glasgow Gailes Golf Club, for players who were not already exempt.

Sunday, 27 July 2009 John Cook and Bruce Vaughan tied the lead after the fourth round, to meet in a sudden death playoff, to decide the winner.

Bruce Vaughan beat John Cook with a birdie at the first extra hole.