Trump to build five new holes at Turnberry

Proposed Turnberry changes by owner Donald Trump include the complete transformation of the iconic holes around the lighthouse on the Ailsa course

The proposed changes to the legendary Ailsa course at Turnberry, now known as the Trump Turnberry Resort, have been unveiled by owner Donald Trump.

Less than a year after securing ownership, The Trump Organisation and architects Mackenzie & Ebert have completed a meticulous historic study and review of the Ailsa course, and in close consultation with the R&A, have revealed plans for extensive but sympathetic changes.

Changes to the four-time Open host, which first opened in 1901, will include the creation of five dramatic new holes that emphasise the spectacular coastline views, and a range of alterations covering virtually every corner of the course.

Included in the new changes is the lengthening of the course by 150 yards, giving it a total yardage of just over 7,350 yards.

With five par 3s in the layout, it will retain its par 70 status for The Open, but will increase to 71 for general play with the 5th hole becoming a par 5.

The Five new holes will be created at the 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 14th together with alterations to all other holes including the reshaping and positioning of bunkers, new tees and green positions and the softening of green contours to provide for more options for flag positions.

Summary of proposed Turnberry changes

Lengthened and tougher 1st hole with new championship tees and a new green and with a wider landing area to encourage more attacking play.

An extension of the par 3 4th hole with a new green.

An extension of the 5th hole at the tee and the green to produce a par 5 for general play but a par 4 for The Open.

A new shortened par 3 6th hole, played from a series of tees, the most dramatic of which will sit on the dune bank by the beach, to a new green with danger all around.

A new par 3 9th hole from the existing tees across the bay to a new green at Turnberry Point to create one of the most exhilarating par 3s in world golf.

A new lengthened par 5 10th hole playing around Castle Port Bay with new championship tees providing a number of options with the driver, the boldest being a 280 yard carry over the bay. A new green will be pushed back to the site of the existing 11th tee providing a new elevated position with the ocean as its immediate backdrop.

A new par 3 11th hole will play across rocky coastal inlets to a new green with a beautiful setting offering complete intimacy with the coast.

A new lengthened par 5 14th hole with a new and elevated green on the site of the old 9th fairway offering 180 degree views of the sea.

A shorter par 4 17th hole with a new green short of the current green providing more room for a championship grandstand to the rear of the green.

A lengthened and straightened par 4 18th hole offering a new elevated championship tee position on the dunes giving golfers a full view of the hotel for their final hole and for spectators and viewers a perfectly framed scene of players silhouetted on the horizon with the Turnberry seascape behind.

Additionally, a £10m upgrade of the clubhouse and new Duel in the Sun restaurant is currently underway and is planned to open in June 2015, in advance of the Womens’ British Open, which will be the last major tournament to be hosted by the course in its current form.

The newly re-designed Ailsa course will be available for play for the first time in June 2016.