Many of us cherish memories of Turnberry, a venue etched in golfing history thanks to its dramatic Open Championships. For those of a certain age, the mere mention of Turnberry brings back recollections of the legendary “Duel in the Sun”—the unforgettable battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in the final round of the 1977 Open. It was Turnberry’s debut as an Open Championship venue, and the thrilling head-to-head play elevated the course to instant iconic status.
Some may recall Greg Norman’s first Open Championship victory in 1986, highlighted by a scintillating second-round 63, or Nick Price’s lone Open triumph in 1994, cemented by a breathtaking 50-foot putt on the 17th hole to edge Jesper Parnevik.
Heartbreak for Tom Watson in 2009
However, the most emotionally charged Open at Turnberry came in 2009. At 59 years old, Tom Watson stood on the brink of history, needing only a par at the 72nd hole to claim a record-breaking sixth Open Championship title. Initially appearing perfect, his approach shot took an unforgiving bounce and rolled through the green. Unable to get up and down, Watson fell into a playoff against Stewart Cink, ultimately succumbing to fatigue and disappointment. The golfing world mourned his near-miss, but Watson’s grace and dignity in defeat left an indelible mark on the sport.
New Ownership and Course Renovations
In 2014, Turnberry entered a new era under the ownership of The Trump Organization. The hotel underwent a lavish refurbishment, and in 2016, renowned course architect Martin Ebert was commissioned to enhance both the legendary Ailsa Course and the newly renamed King Robert the Bruce Course. The changes, particularly to the Ailsa, maximized the dramatic coastal landscape, improving both playability and aesthetic grandeur.
While the question of whether the Open Championship will return to Turnberry remains in the hands of the R&A, one thing is certain: the Ailsa Course remains an elite championship venue, offering a world-class golfing experience.
Playing the Ailsa Course
There is no better feeling than stepping onto the first tee of a course steeped in Open Championship history. With the striking Turnberry Hotel to your left, the clubhouse and iconic 18th green behind you, and the sun casting a golden glow over the links, the scene is set for an unforgettable round.
A longer shot into the first green
Playing off the white tees, the first hole is a strong 400-yard opening hole which meanders to the right. On the tee shot, four deep bunkers guard the landing area, so pick a club that will leave you short of the one on the right. From there, it’s a medium iron to a green protected by three bunkers at the front and multiple run-off areas on both sides and at the back. If you can make par, you are off to a great start.
Holes 2 and 3 are par 4’s of under 400 yards and, with good approach shots, give decent birdie opportunities.
Dramatic Coastline
The Short 4th Hole
The fourth is the first of the short holes. At only 140 yards, the tee sits next to the beach, and you play across a sandy waste area and tall wispy grass to a green that sits above you. It’s only a straightforward hole if you hit the green. Don’t go left or long if you want to make par. This hole is the start of an eight-hole stretch that plays along the coastline and the first that gives you a view of the famous lighthouse.
Beautiful bunkering on the approach to the 5th green
The fifth is the first of the par 5’s. Playing just over 500 yards, you might think it’s a potential birdie hole, but to do that, you need to negotiate the ten bunkers on the hole. There are four to catch your drive followed by another four in the layup area and two more green side to “trap” those who take on the green. It’s a cracking hole and one of our favourites. The bunkering frames the hole magnificently. The walk from the 5th green to the 6th tee gives you spectacular views of the beach and the shoreline of the next few holes.
Don’t be short on the 6th hole
The short 6th is a lovely-looking hole that runs parallel to the beach. The tee is up on the dunes and looks down on a green protected by 3 bunkers. If it is windy, you can hit a wide variety of shots to find the putting surface. Thankfully, it was calm, and our 8 iron gave us a look at a birdie.
Play Safe
The famous lighthouse in the background on your second shot into the 7th
Every time we stand on the 7th tee, we think we can cut the corner on this dogleg-left par 5. The tee shot is deceiving, it doesn’t look that far to the corner, but trust me, it is!! The ideal line is the two bunkers on the right. Don’t go left at any point on this hole. Once on the fairway, you can decide whether to go for the green or to lay up. If you play it as a 3-shot hole, it’s an easy par.
Over the winter of 2024 and at the start of 2025, the 7th and 8th holes on the Ailsa course will be completely redone. We have limited details on the work being carried out. There is a short description on the website which reads, “The site of the 7th green will be one of the most spectacular in the world of golf, sitting right beside the beach with incredible views over Turnberry Bay to Ailsa Craig, Arran and beyond. The 8th hole will benefit from a reimagined tee shot line that perfectly complements the natural fairway camber.” We will await the photos once the work has been completed.
The stunning 9th hole from the championship tee
The front nine ends with one of the most photographed “new” holes in golf. From the championship tee, this par 3 measures 248 yards, with about 220 of that a carry over the rocks and the Atlantic Ocean. Thankfully, from the white tees, it’s ”only” 187 yards and a much more enjoyable hole. With the Turnberry Lighthouse in the background, which doubles as the halfway house, you can’t help but smile at how lucky you are to be playing here.
Homeward Bound
Don’t miss left on the second shot on the 10th
After a quick coffee and comfort break in the lighthouse, the challenge of the back nine awaits. The 10th is a cracking hole. From the elevated tee, the hole stretches out in front of you. It’s a 500-yard par 5, and it plays round the bay. Again, going left is not an option. Play to the right off the tee, avoid the fairway bunker, and you can consider going for the green in two. However, beware of the fairway cross bunker, 100 yards short of the green. If you bail out right, you can still chip and putt for a birdie.
Rocks everywhere on the 11th hole
The 11th is the last hole on the coastline. At 178 yards, distance isn’t the problem here. Your tee shot is played over rocky outcrops and glimpses of the beach. Anything left or short is dead. The right centre of the green is the line.
Heading Inland
Avoid the heavy rough on the 12th hole
Holes 12 and 13 are shorter par 4’s at around 380 yards, but both require your tee shots to be threaded between fairway bunkers to secure pars.
The 14th is the last par 5, and at 500 yards, it can give you a birdie chance. You must avoid the deep fairway bunkers both left and right in the landing zone. There are another two deep bunkers about 90 and 70 yards short of the green, so if you are laying up, try and leave around 100 yards to a green that sits above you.
Take enough club on the 15th hole
The 15th is the final par 3. It’s 183 yards to the centre of the green, and it’s probably a 3 club difference from a front pin to a back pin. The green slopes from back to front and from left to right. Hit the green, take 2 putts and run to the next tee!!
The Closing Stretch
The sloping 16th green
The 16th is one of the standout, memorable holes on this outstanding championship course. On a 420-yard par 4, you MUST hit the fairway to go for the green on two. Hit the fairway, and your second shot is fraught with danger. It plays downhill to a green that slopes left to right. A wide burn crosses diagonally in front and around and up the right-hand side of the green. Make a par here, and you will be smiling heading to 17.
Through the valley to the green on the 17th
The penultimate hole plays as a 450-yard par 4 from the white tees. A ridge of dunes on the left means that you should aim your drive down the right centre, but make sure you are short of the bunker. This leaves you an uphill second shot through a narrow shute of fairway to the green. Take enough club, as anything short will roll back down the slope.
The 18th green with the hotel as a backdrop
The 18th is one of the iconic golf holes. Earlier, we talked of the drama in 2009, but in 1977, Watson hit the fairway, and Jack was in the edge of the bushes down the right. What followed were two of the best shots ever seen on the final hole of an Open. Nicklaus powered a shot out of the bush onto the green from almost 200 yards. Watson then hit a 7-iron, 178 yards to three feet. Jack then holed from 30 feet, and Tom then knocked his in to win by a shot. Our playing of 18 wasn’t as epic as theirs, but we made par.
The Clubhouse Experience
Turnberry’s clubhouse, renovated in 2015, pays homage to its rich history. The pro shop is stocked with premium golf merchandise, while the Duel in the Sun restaurant offers stunning views of the course. The hallways are lined with photographs and memorabilia from past Open Championships, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
Beyond the Course: Local Attractions & History
Turnberry is not only a golfer’s paradise but also a gateway to Ayrshire’s rich history. Nearby, you’ll find Culzean Castle, a grand 18th-century estate perched on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Just a short drive away is Alloway, the birthplace of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, where visitors can explore the Burns Cottage and the famous Brig o’ Doon. For whisky aficionados, the renowned Ailsa Bay Distillery offers a taste of Scotland’s finest single malts.
At a Glance:
- Location: Just over an hour from Glasgow
- Ailsa Course Yardage: 5,406 – 7,489 yards
- Facilities: Double-ended driving range, short-game area, Golf Academy and putting greens
- Clubhouse: Historic memorabilia, excellent pro shop, fine dining
Final Thoughts
Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is a true masterpiece. The spectacular eight-hole stretch along the coastline rivals any in the world, while the closing holes provide a fitting test of skill and nerve. For those who dream of following in the footsteps of legends, Turnberry is an unmissable destination.
Will the Open return to Turnberry? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—this golfing treasure remains one of the finest links courses in the world, offering an experience that every golfer should have on their bucket list.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish 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
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