With views across the dramatic West Coast of Scotland and out to the Ailsa Craig, both golf courses at Turnberry are rightly considered to be amongst the most picturesque in the world. Firm, fast-running links turf, cavernous pot bunkers, penal rough and treacherous gorse bushes are the hallmarks of seaside golf in Scotland and the experience at Turnberry is about as natural and Scottish as it comes; you’ll even be serenaded by a lone bagpiper if you time your tee times just right.

As a host of 4 Open Championships and countless other prestigious golf events, the Ailsa Course is rightly seen the jewel in Turnberry’s crown and following the unveiling of dramatic design changes around the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, one of the world’s best has just got even better. The newly opened King Robert the Bruce might sit in the shadow of the mighty Ailsa, but it’s a top class and equally challenging layout in its own right, boasting just as spectacular views and challenging golf.

Throw in some of the best and most comprehensive practice facilities in the UK, and all the ingredients for an unforgettable weekend of links golf are in place. 

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry has hosted 4 Open Championships, a couple of which are among the most memorable in the tournament’s long and exalted history. Who could forget Tom Watson coming so close to lifting the Claret Jug at the age of 59 in 2009, or his legendary “Duel in The Sun” against Jack Nicklaus at the 1977 Open, which many believe to be the finest major championship ever staged?

Turnberry’s star attraction has long been recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular courses as well as one of the best the UK has to offer and while nobody of sound mind has ever doubted its quality, there were some who felt that it wasn’t quite reaching its full potential; until now that is.

Following recent changes to a number of holes on the Ailsa, most notably from the 4th onwards, the Ailsa now makes full use of its stunning location, with the most significant change coming in the form of the new 9th & 10th holes. Formerly a solid pair of par 4s; recent changes have seen this famous duo which sit in the shadow of the Turnberry Lighthouse transform into 2 of the most spectacular holes in the world. The 9th now plays as a par 3, where the tee shot must be struck over the bay towards a newly sited green beneath the Lighthouse, while the 10th now plays as a par 5, sweeping around Castle Port Bay towards a  green perched precariously closer to the water’s edge.

With subsequent changes to the 11th in place too, creating yet another awe-inspiring par 3 along the rugged coastline, the most famous stretch of the Ailsa Course has finally had its full potential realised, both from a design and aesthetic standpoint.

Having caught your breath after such a spectacular stretch of holes from the 4th to the 11th, the Ailsa begins to take you back towards the magnificent Turnberry Hotel which sits perched high on a hill overlooking the links. You’re not done yet though, with the final four holes presenting as demanding a test as any.

The 15th now plays from an elevated tee offering panoramic views of Turnberry Bay, while the 17th, formerly a par 5, now plays as a par 4 before the final hole with its dramatic new tees located on the beachside dunes takes golfers back to the solitude of the clubhouse. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Turnberry or you’re a seasoned guest, one thing is for certain; the Ailsa Course in its newly improved guise must be seen to be believed.   

Signature Hole:  Hole 9, Par 3, 235 yards (Championship Tees)
The 9th tee has always been one of the most famous points on the Ailsa Course but that was largely due to it being a photo opportunity beneath the Turnberry Lighthouse, with Turnberry Bay in the background, rather than it being a world class golf hole. That has all changed thanks to the recent Mackenzie & Ebert redesign.  

The 9th now plays as a par 3, which measures 235 yards from the Championship Tees – further tee positions allow less skilled players to play from more manageable positions closer to the green – and with the green set adjacent to the Turnberry Lighthouse on the far side of a rocky bay, this stunning corner of the Ailsa Course has finally fulfilled its amazing potential. After completing the 9th, golfers can take a breather and enjoy a cup of coffee in the Turnberry Lighthouse which has been transformed into arguably the finest halfway house in the world, before taking to the new par 5 10th, which certainly gives the 9th a run for its money in the race to be the Ailsa's Signature Hole.    

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is ranked as one of the best courses in Scotland

While the Ailsa is undoubtedly the star turn at Turnberry, the newly opened King Robert the Bruce is set to rival it, providing visitors of Trump Turnberry with yet another incredible golfing experience at one of the world's most iconic destinations for golf. 

A series of key features are evident in the new design including the par 5 1st hole with its split fairway divided by central bunkers, distinctive with marram grass eyebrows in contrast with the perfectly manicured revetted greenside bunkers found across the course.

Completely new holes have been created at holes 8 and 11, now transformed into brilliant par 5's with an unforgettable view out to sea as well as the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, the focus for the 11th tee shot.

The closing hole, a demanding par 5 with a well protected green and approach located beside the Clubhouse. 

Turnberry is the latest addition to The Open rota and has held The Open a total of four times.

The nine-hole Arran course presents a variety of challenges comparable to those found on the renowned Ailsa and the newly established Kintyre courses. Golfers will encounter undulating greens, narrow tee shots, strategically placed pot bunkers, and the dense, rugged Scottish rough. The layout features an engaging combination of par 3 and par 4 holes, catering to golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players.

This exceptional training facility offers golfers the opportunity to receive tailored instruction while practicing a comprehensive array of Links shots and techniques, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Turnberry lighthouse. The Arran course serves as an excellent introduction to Links golf, making it an ideal venue for a practice round before taking on the breathtaking and challenging 36-hole complex that is unmatched in its beauty and difficulty.