Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
- Scotland
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is arguably the most scenic of the Open rota courses, distinguished by its iconic lighthouse and the brooding backdrop of Ailsa Craig. While Royal Troon is a test of penal bunkers and gorse, Turnberry is a test of coastal geometry and wind management. The course underwent a significant transformation in 2016 under the guidance of architect Martin Ebert, who utilized the rocky coastline more aggressively than previous iterations.
Turnberry's history is intertwined with military service; the course served as an airbase during both World Wars. The 2016 renovation by Martin Ebert is what catapulted it back into the stratosphere of world rankings. Ebert specifically targeted the stretch around the lighthouse (holes 9, 10, and 11), converting what were previously weaker links holes into spectacular coastal tests.
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A deceptively difficult opener. The hole plays straight toward the sea. Four bunkers guard the left side, with one at the dogleg's elbow. Accuracy is preferred over length here.
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Meaning "Make Sure." Trouble lurks everywhere with fairway bunkers and a steep slope to the left of the green. The green is long, requiring precise club selection.
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"Out of Breath." Usually played into the prevailing wind, making it play closer to a par 5 for many. Two fairway bunkers left and uneven rough right squeeze the landing area.
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The start of the coastal stretch. The tee shot must carry defensive bunkers to reach a green set against the backdrop of the sea. The hazard is the beach on the left.
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"Find Me Out." A par 5 that doglegs dramatically right to left. The green is tucked in a cove at the dunes' base. The approach must navigate five bunkers guarding the sloping green.
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A short but visually stunning hole. The green sits on a "tappie toorie" (hilltop). A steep slope front and left rejects short shots. Missing the green leaves a nearly impossible up-and-down.
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"Round the Mountain." A sharp dogleg left. The brave line is over the left ridge to cut the corner, but deep rough awaits. The green is guarded by a deep valley of rough on the left.
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Named after the peak on Arran. The drive is to a raised fairway with no bunkers but steep run-offs. The large mound to the left of the green complicates putting and chipping.
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The signature hole of the 2016 redesign. A long par 3 played over the rocky coastline to a green adjacent to the lighthouse. It is all carry. A truly heroic shot is required.
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"Don't Mess About." A sweeping par 5 hugging the coast. The drive must avoid the sea on the left. The second shot must navigate a large "doughnut" island bunker in the fairway.
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A stunning par 3 played across a rocky inlet. Any shot short or left is in the sea. The green is guarded by two large bunkers front right. It demands absolute commitment.
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Named for the airman's memorial on the hill. A dogleg left where the ideal line is close to the bunkers on the left. The green is elevated, often requiring an extra club.
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"Tricky Little Stroke." Three bunkers guard the left fairway. The approach is to a plateau green that appears smaller than it is due to the incline.
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A fitting name. The hole snakes uphill toward the lighthouse backdrop. Fairway bunkers must be avoided to have a chance at reaching in two. The green offers spectacular views.
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"Take Care." A difficult par 3 with a steep banking right and deep bunkers left. The green contours are severe, making recovery shots from the bunkers treacherous.
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The Wilson's Burn runs across the front of the green, creating a definitive hazard. The drive must favor the right to open the angle. The approach is daunting.
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"Long Whack." A par 5 requiring a long carry over mounds to find the fairway. The green is protected by a steep ridge and pot bunkers.
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Renamed for the 1977 Watson-Nicklaus battle. The tee shot must thread bunkers left and gorse right. The approach is to a green sitting below the iconic hotel.
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