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Where to Stay: Trump Turnberry Golf Resort

The Ailsa Course

Without question, the Ailsa course at Turnberry deserves a seat at the table in the discussion about the best golf courses on the planet. With so much pedigree, history and amazing memories, it is easy to understand how the Ailsa course is one of the most desired golf courses to choose for a UK golf break.

Unforgettable Memories

Those of us old enough to remember the great “Duel in the Sun” The 106th Open, where Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus took to battle in the first-ever Open Championship held at Turnberry and one that is considered by many to be the finest tournament ever played. Both Watson and Nicklaus played three identical rounds of 68,70 and 66 on the first three days and were paired up on the final day clear of the rest of the field. In the blazing hot heat of the Scottish summer in a year that had seen a summer of drought the two men took to the field and produced some of the most exceptional golf ever witnessed. The Ailsa course was in perfect condition, and both men battled until the 18th hole where Tom Watson knocked in a two-footer for his fourth birdie made in the last six holes to beat Nicklaus by one stroke. Of course, Turnberry had a slightly different layout than today’s course, ranked as the best golf course in Scotland.

The History of Turnberry

Turnberry was originally established in 1902 and has died twice but now enjoying its third magnificent incarnation. And since 2016 when the Alisia received its very latest facelift has been often regarded as one of the most spectacular seaside courses globally and rivals Pebble Beach and Cypress Point in California. Although the most recent works have been pivotal in keeping Turnberry in such esteemed company, the most notable work was completed back in 1951 when Phillip Mackensie Ross was given the task of bringing the course back to life for the third time. It was a tough job, but the results were astonishing and resulted in Turnberry being awarded the Open Championship in 1977. It has since held the prestigious tournament a further three times with Greg Norman, Nick Price, and Stuart Cink’s victories. In 2015 Martin Ebert upgraded every hole to some extent, and the major works included a redesign of the holes out towards the famous lighthouse.

Turnberry’s Signature Hole

In today’s layout, the Signature Hole is the 9th Hands down; this is one of the best and most stunning golf holes in the world. Formerly the par-four location and now plays a par 3 measuring nearly 250 yards from the back tee. The hole plays over a rocky coastline from the tips and requires one of the most heroic carriers you’ll ever encounter en route to a green. And at the end of this hole the lighthouse has now been converted into a halfway house and one of the most luxurious suites in the world. From the 11th hole, you start to work your way back from the rocky coastline and in the Turnberry hotel’s direction. However, from the 4th to 11th hole you have probably encountered some of the most dramatic golf holes in the whole of the world.

Scotland’s golf courses are the best in the world if you are considering a short break or holiday, but if I could only pick one to play the rest of my life it would be Turnberry’s Ailsa course