Trump Turnberry (Ailsa)

Trump Turnberry
Gary Lisbon
3 Photos

Turnberry (Ailsa)

  • Course Type

    Resort
  • GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)

    18
  • Year

    1946
  • Architects

    Willie Fernie, 1909 / Mackenzie Ross, 1946 / Martin Ebert, 2016
  • Par

    71
  • Yardage

    7489

Course Overview

Turnberry began as a Willie Fermie design and part of the famous Culzean estate. It’s been associated with the Turnberry hotel for more than 100 years. Neither World War was kind to the property, and Mackenzie Ross’s reconstruction after WWII provides the core of today’s layout. Under the Trump Organization, Martin Ebert led a superb renovation that better utilized the jagged cliffline. The famed 9th tee near the iconic lighthouse was preserved but the semi-blind turtleback fairway wasn’t. Instead, a stunning par-3 was created and 10 is now a par-5, longer and more complex while 11 moves closer to the shore. The 6th has been abbreviated to accommodate a splendid new back tee at the home hole. All and all, the upgrades propel the Aisla course into the highest echelon of links for both challenge and beauty. Turnberry became an Open venue in 1977 and has hosted two of its greatest championships, both headlined by Tom Watson. (Photo: Gary Lisbon)

3 things to know

  • Hole everyone talks about

    No. 9, par-3, 248 yards: The iconic Turnberry lighthouse looms behind the 9th tee, making the difficult carry over a rocky, watery chasm to the green even more daunting.
  • Best non-golf amenity

    The Spa at Turnberry features a full spa experience with an infinity pool, while the Trump Turnberry resort offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
  • Insider tip

    Turnberry’s famous lighthouse near the 9th tee also serves as a halfway house, so you can grab a mid-round drink with an outstanding view.