The history of Turnberry
Robin Barwick takes a look at the the history of Turnberry and discovers how the course is linked to both World Wars.

The history of Turnberry is intrinsically linked with both World Wars – the championship course was rebuilt twice, having served as an air field in both wars – and the wartime loss of lives here is marked with a hill-top memorial to the right of the 12th green. It is a fantastic spot, offering panoramic views of Turnberry’s golf course, Ailsa Craig and the Irish Sea, with the famous lighthouse just a couple of hundred yards away, behind the 10th tee. These are views that were shared during practice by Mike Weir and Rodney Pampling. The Canadian golfer wanted to show his Australian colleague that the names of servicemen carved into the memorial are not just of British RAF men lost to war, but also of men who served at Turnberry with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Even in the midst of preparation for a major championship, it is heartening to see world-class players remembering there is more to life than golf. Parts of the cement runways that were laid for the Second World War remain by the way, and the surfaces are put to good use during the Open for parking. As for the five-star hotel at the top of the hill – the one on which the new paint is still wet – it was put to good use as a military hospital during the war. Where next? - Padraig Harrington in major grouping - Turnberry Ailsa course guide by Open champion Padraig Harrington
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Robin has worked for Golf Monthly for over a decade.
-
Amanda Sambach Facts: 10 Things To Know About The College Golfer
The University of Virginia's Amanda Sambach has been a keen golfer since she was five - here are 10 things to know about her
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tommy Fleetwood Holes Out For Los Angeles In TGL Overtime But Atlanta Drive Secure Tight Win
The Los Angeles Golf Club player produced a moment of brilliance in overtime against Atlanta Drive GC, but it wasn’t quite enough to secure the team a third successive win
By Mike Hall Published