Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course: Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course Key Information

Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course

The beautiful but testing Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course is one of the best links in the UK. It is also the most recent course to have become an Open Championship venue, its first as recently as 1977. It’s currently not on the rota, but that is presumably a political decision based on its ownership as there is no doubting that the course itself is a more than worthy venue.

That first hosting, getting on for half a century ago, turned into one of the all-time classics, the Duel in the Sun. In the end, Tom Watson just edged it by a single stroke from the great Jack Nicklaus. Since then, The Open has been here on three further occasions, and so it was a bold move to subsequently make substantial changes in a quest to improve it further. Martin Ebert had made some changes prior to the 2009 Open, and he was called back in but with a far wider remit and greater resources. It has now moved on very dramatically since the original post-war restoration by Philip Mackenzie Ross and is one of the very best golf courses in Scotland.

The most significant and exciting changes this time round were those made around the turn. This stretch kicks off with a spectacular new short hole, the 9th, now deemed to be one of the best par 3s in the  world. This is a full-length one-shotter along the cliff-edge that must carry over crags and ravines to the green by the lighthouse. Following a half-time refresher in one of golf’s most amazing halfway houses, the lighthouse, the back nine begins with a glorious, snaking par 5. Again there is a daunting carry over the rocks, and if the wind is howling in from the left, you may well have to aim your drive out to sea! The hole then works its way gently right to left along the shore, taking in an enormous bunker some way short. This stretch finishes with another glorious new hole, again a par 3. Once more you must flirt with danger all the way on the left. This 3-5-3 sequence is a brilliant hat-trick of holes by the sea, taking full advantage of its thrilling location.

Ebert’s great work continues all the way to the 18th tee which has been moved up on to the dunes to create a far more impressive climax. You now play straight back towards the iconic hotel. As you would expect from such a premium set-up, it is presented in immaculate order. It is clearly one of the most famous golf courses in Scotland, and while there is also no denying that it is pricey, it is in every respect one of the very best courses in the UK&I.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Richard Healy

A stunning course and setting; dramatic, iconic, imposing, natural, beautiful framing - just fantastic. A dramatic layout, with so many famous views, wild and rugged, finished with immaculate attention to detail.

Nicholas Hercules

Stunning views throughout, which makes it unique among the Open venues. I was continually in awe of the views, and even on the few holes after the turn where one can’t see the sea, the hotel on the hill stands impressive. This is a magnificent venue, one that has benefitted tremendously from investment.

Jamie Hudson

There are few courses that get you giddy and excited to visit, but this is certainly one of them. From your first glimpse of the lighthouse or the grand hotel that dominates the skyline, you know you are somewhere special. The overall experience and venue is peerless - it really does have it all! The course dazzles with its beauty and stings with its difficulty.

Trump Turnberry Location

Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course Green Fees

Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near To Trump Turnberry

PRESTWICK

The historic links at Prestwick is as close to a living, interactive golf museum as you can get. It would be hard to find any course with more features, variety and character. It remains a timeless and very important classic and is one of the best golf courses in Scotland.

ROYAL TROON

Everything at Royal Troon is impressive, from the stately clubhouse to the expansive and superbly manicured course. This is a traditional out-and-back links with a twist as the middle holes loop their way inland and through thick swathes of gorse up by the railway. Home of the shortest hole in The Open, the par-3 8th, Postage Stamp.

Best Places To Stay Near Trump Turnberry

Trump Turnberry Hotel - Book now via Booking.com

Where better than this luxurious hotel with the Ailsa Course right on your doorstep as well as the excellent King Robert The Bruce Course?

Western House Hotel, Ayr - Book now via Booking.com

This excellent hotel is set in mature landscaped gardens and offers 10 executive bedrooms and suites in the main house, and 39 well appointed modern courtyard rooms.

Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2023/24 03
• 2021/22 04
• 2019/20 01
• 2017/18 01
• 2015/16 04
• 2013/14 04
• 2011/12 03
• 2009/10 02

Frequently Asked Questions