A History Lesson
The second course at Trump Turnberry was transformed in 2016 under the guidance of renowned architect Martin Ebert, emerging as the King Robert the Bruce course. Previously known as the Kintyre course, the name change sparked curiosity among golfers. However, the answer lies in the foreword of the KRB strokesaver, which sheds light on the course’s historical significance and its ties to Scottish heritage.
The Iconic Turnberry Lighthouse & Its Royal Past
One of Scotland’s most recognizable golf landmarks, the Turnberry Lighthouse, sits atop the ruins of a 13th-century castle believed to be the birthplace of King Robert the Bruce in July 1274. As one of Scotland’s most celebrated warriors, Robert the Bruce led his army to a historic victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, securing Scotland’s independence.
Adding to its storied past, the lighthouse itself was designed in 1873 by Thomas Stevenson, father of famed novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island. This blend of golf, history, and literary heritage makes Turnberry a must-visit destination for both golfers and history enthusiasts.
A Golf Course Touched by War
Turnberry’s history extends beyond the fairways. The original hotel, known as the Station Hotel, was built in 1906, just five years after the course opened. However, during both World Wars, Turnberry was repurposed into a convalescence hospital for wounded soldiers. Sections of the golf course were flattened, and runways were constructed to serve a Royal Air Force Flying School. Remarkably, these wartime runways are still visible today when playing the King Robert the Bruce course, serving as a silent reminder of Turnberry’s multifaceted past.
The Course
Now that we’ve delved into the rich history of Turnberry, let’s explore the King Robert the Bruce course itself. A par-72 layout, the course stretches from 5,767 to 7,203 yards, offering a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Our round is played from the white tees, measuring just under 6,600 yards.
World-Class Practice Facilities
Before stepping onto the first tee, golfers have access to an exceptional practice facility that includes:
- A large driving range
- An expansive short-game area
- Multiple putting greens
Taking advantage of these facilities is a wise decision, as Turnberry’s courses demand precision and shot-making prowess.
The Front Nine: A Blend of Strategy & Scenery
The raised first green
At 541 yards, the first hole is a par 5 that doglegs left. Don’t be tempted to try and cut the corner as there are gorse bushes and rough down the left side. There are three bunkers in the landing area and a further five in the second half of the hole. Play this as a three-shot hole to start with a par.
Holes 2 and 3 are possible birdie chances. The 2nd is a shortish par 3 with a two-tiered green, and the 3rd is a short par 4 with a wide landing area and a partially hidden green.
The natural look bunkering on the 4th
Both the 4th and 5th are strong par 4’s. The 4th is another dogleg left. It’s a hole that’s framed by gorse bushes on both sides of the fairway. Again, there are three deep fairway bunkers in the landing area and a further one on the corner, which will catch the longer hitter. The green is bigger than it looks from the fairway, and beware of the hidden bunker on the right half of the green.
One of our favourites
The view back down the 5th
The 5th is one of our favourite holes on the front nine. At 450 yards, it’s no pushover. The line off the tee is just left of the two bunkers on the right. This leaves a long second shot into a green with three bunkers at the front. The green is 40 yards long, so take enough club if the pin is at the back.
The 6th is a medium-length par 3 with a large, slightly raised, undulating green. If you miss the green, it’s a difficult up-and-down for a par. The 7th is a potential birdie hole. A decent drive up the left side will leave a short iron in. Keep your second shot left as it will feed into the centre of the green. Any shot up the right side of the green could run off to below the green and lead to a bogey or worse. The Ebert renovations on the first 7 holes have been subtle; however, over the next few holes, they are dramatic.
Drama and Beauty
What a view- the 8th green with Ailsa Craig and the lighthouse as a backdrop!!
The 8th is now a visually stunning par-5 and a great birdie chance. It’s a pretty straight hole, but it’s the views beyond the green towards the lighthouse and Ailsa Craig that make it a fantastic experience to play. A decent drive gives you a long iron or hybrid into a green which sits on the horizon. In our opinion, it’s probably the most photographed hole on the course. It’s simply stunning. Golf course views don’t get much better than this.
Don’t be short on your second shot on the 9th
The 9th is another cracker. It runs along the coastline, and to make your second shot easier, you have to hug the coastline with your tee shot. The further right you go, the longer and more difficult your second shot will be. Your approach shot is played across a rocky gully to a green that you can only see the left side of. Make par here, and it’s a great end to the front nine.
The Back Nine
A well-bunkered 10th green
The back nine begins with the lovely par 3 10th hole. It’s only 160 yards, but it’s not an easy par. It plays slightly uphill, so choose your club wisely. The green has run-off areas at the front and back, and the putting surface is undulating.
Another cracking background on the tee shot on the 11th hole
The 11th is a stunning par 5 of over 550 yards. Aim up the right side of the fairway as the fairway slopes right to left. Anything down the left half can end up down a slope into the heavy rough or even the bushes. Even though it plays downhill, it is a three-shot hole for most, so pick the right club to keep you out of trouble and leave a simple pitch shot into this large green.
Trust Your Yardage
The short 12th hole
The 12th hole is visually deceptive. Note that the bunker short is 15 yards from the front of the putting green on this par 3. Trusting the distance is challenging as the green looks closer than it is. The centre of the green is your target, no matter where the pin is. If you end up in the bunkers right or off the green left, making par becomes very difficult.
Those bunkers shouldn’t be in play on your approach to the 13th
Holes 13 and 14 run in opposite directions. The 13th is a shortish par 4, and you get a great view of the entire hole from the elevated tee. The cross bunkers are well short of the green and shouldn’t be in play. An accurate approach could produce a birdie putt.
At just over 500 yards, the 14th is a par 5. Your tee shot needs to be on the right half of the fairway to get a look at the green. Longer hitters can easily reach in two, so it’s another potential birdie hole. The 15th is a strong par 4. From the back tee, it plays as a par 5, which usually signals that it’s a more challenging par 4. It’s another hole surrounded by gorse bushes. Your line off the tee is the left side of the fairway, and you should aim at the left side of the green on the second shot to stay away from the bunker on the right side.
The Closing Holes
At 146 yards, the 16th is the shortest par 3 on the course; however, it has an undulating green that slopes front to back and is protected by three deep bunkers. Aim at the middle of the green.
Both the 17th and 18th are strong finishing holes. The 17th is 424 yards and is a dogleg to the right. Don’t be tempted to cut the corner as there is heavy rough and a large waste area on the right. Find the fairway, and your second shot is slightly uphill. Don’t miss the green right, as it’s a difficult up-and-down from there.
The second shot of the 18th with the Clubhouse and Hotel beyond
The 18th is a 512-yard par 5. Avoid the 12 bunkers on the hole, play it as a three-shotter, and you should make an easy par. Hit it in any of the bunkers, and par will be a challenge.
Beyond Golf: Local Attractions & Experiences
Turnberry’s allure extends far beyond golf. Visitors can enjoy:
- Culzean Castle & Country Park – A stunning cliff-top castle just 20 minutes away.
- Ailsa Craig Boat Tours – Explore the island that supplies the granite for curling stones.
- Whisky Distilleries – Sample some of Scotland’s finest single malts at nearby distilleries such as A.D. Rattray and Arran.
- Ayrshire’s Coastal Walks – Breathtaking seaside trails offering panoramic views.
At a Glance: Why Turnberry is World-Class
- 45 holes of championship golf
- Outstanding luxury hotel
- Large spa & swimming pool
- 18-hole pitch & putt course
- State-of-the-art driving range & short game area
- Expansive clubhouse & pro shop
Final Thoughts: A Championship-Caliber Course
The King Robert the Bruce course is a world-class championship layout, offering a thrilling blend of strategic golf, breathtaking views, and historical significance. While often overshadowed by the Ailsa Course, it stands as a must-play experience in its own right. In 2021, Golf World ranked Trump Turnberry #4 in its Top 100 Golf Resorts worldwide—a distinction that speaks for itself.
For those who love golf with a side of history and stunning scenery, Turnberry is a bucket-list destination.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
Featured Post
0
