Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course: Review, 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 became an Open Championship venue in 1977 but is not currently on the rota. 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 and deserving of its high status in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK&I. I loved it before the changes, and was even more impressed when I went back to see them a few years ago.

That first hosting of The Open, almost 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. I think that this 3-5-3 sequence by the sea is a brilliant hat-trick of holes, 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.

I am really looking forward to seeing the latest Martin Ebert changes which are being unveiled this Spring. These include the repositioning of the 7th green to a more exciting position by the edge of the cliff combined with a new tee complex at the 8th, as well as new mounding and various other tweaks on the back nine.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...

James Holland

If you took away what I feel is unnecessary American styling, it would be almost perfect. So much better than when I played before the changes, and it was good then.

Richard Healy

A dramatic layout, with so many iconic famous views, wild and rugged yet finished with immaculate attention to detail. A joy no matter the weather.

Jamie Hudson

Top 5, no debating! You can very easily make a case for this being number one. The King of the North continues to reign supreme even when it rains, it hits all the right notes every time!

Trump Turnberry Location

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

• 2025/26 - 03
• 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