When it comes to great destinations for golf in Scotland, Turnberry is almost unrivaled. The Ailsa course has hosted The Open Championship on four occasions and is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world. It’s joined by the famed Turnberry hotel.
For over a century, this combination has offered one of the finest pairings of Golf and the Good Life in Scotland. For that reason, this guide to Turnberry Scotland gives equal billing to the features and amenities both on and off the golf course.
Whether you’re counting down to a tee time at Turnberry, or planning a golf trip to Scotland, this complete guide to Turnberry should prove helpful.
Built by the Glasgow & Southwestern Railway in 1906, Turnberry was originally known as The Station Hotel. The property was quickly regarded as one of the finest seaside resorts in Britain. After the rail station closed in 1942, the resort lost some of its luster in the decades that followed, yet Turnberry Scotland remained one of the most popular destinations for golf in the country. One thing that never faded, however, were the magnificent sunsets from Turnberry’s hilltop perch overlooking the sea. Today, the well-publicized change in ownership brought with it a substantial investment in both the Ailsa golf course and the hotel, returning the Turnberry resort to its former glory.
5th Hole
Before the renovation, many regarded the 5th hole on the Turnberry Ailsa course as the best of them all. Even more came to the belief after the hole was further improved with the addition of fairway bunkers before the 2009 Open Championship. Ironically, for a course that’s best known for its seaside holes, the ocean does not come into play once you’re off the tee, though its presence is felt just beyond the dunes. When the wind is up, finding the fairway on this par-5 can be a tall order. The same goes for the green, which is guarded by a few of the deepest bunkers on the course. If you come away with par on the 5th hole, walk to the next tee with pride. If not, you’re still certain to enjoy the stroll, because the path from the 5th green to 6th tee is sublime.
9th Hole
The former 9th hole at Turnberry was a par-4 which ran alongside the famous lighthouse and featured a fairway that was nearly impossible to find. The idea of transforming the hole into a par-3, with the green perched at the base of the lighthouse, was tossed around for decades. When the redesign of the Ailsa course commenced, turning that idea into reality was one of its biggest goals. As it turns out, those who claimed the space deserved a world-class short hole had it right all along. The 9th hole at Turnberry is now, without question, one of the best par-3s in all of golf.
Donut Bunker
As part of the renovation, the tee on the 10th at Turnberry Ailsa was pushed back and the hole was converted into a par-5. The new 10th hole also features one of the unique elements found on the course. The famed “donut bunker” stands prominently in the middle of the fairway and promises to punish the poorly struck approach or misjudged layup. During the renovation, the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert consulted historical photographs to restore the bunker to its original shape. Although it makes for unique photos, we’d suggest admiring the “donut bunker” from the outside looking in.
11th Hole
The par-3 11th hole was the site of one of the more dramatic transformations during the upgrade of the Ailsa course. The former par-3 played adjacent to the sea, but a new greensite closer to the water’s edge was practically begging to be put to use. The new hole is similar to the 9th, with a tee shot played over the rocky shoreline. The new 11th green offers a greater challenge, however, thanks to a series of small inlets waiting to capture a pulled tee shot.
18th Hole
As one of the great seaside experiences in golf comes to a close, the 18th hole at Turnberry Ailsa grants one final encounter with the ocean. The new championship tee on the 18th hole is pressed hard against the sea, with the hole running inland directly toward the Turnberry hotel. The 18th at the Ailsa has seen two unforgettable moments in The Open Championship. Both of which were produced by the same player.
During the 1977 Open, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson put on a show that has come to be known as the “Duel in the Sun.” The two players matched each other shot for shot over all four days, until Tom Watson sealed the win by knocking his approach to 2-feet on the final hole. Over 30 years later, the 59 year-old Watson returned to the last hole of the 2009 Open with a 1-stroke lead. His perfectly struck 8-iron proved to be just a little too perfect and, sadly, we all know how the story ends.
The Piper
Every night at 6pm, one of the great traditions of Scottish golf takes place just outside the grand hotel. A lone-bagpiper serenades the resort with traditional ballads, as the sea and the Ailsa course stand as backdrop. Our suggestion: make a 7pm reservation at the award-winning 1906 restaurant and enjoy the performance with a pre-dinner cocktail. On most evenings, the first reservation available happens to be 19:06pm.
The H&B Forces with the Turnberry Piper
Halfway House
In addition to the new 9th hole, the redesign of the Turnberry Ailsa course welcomed a new and imaginative use for the landmark lighthouse. The base of the lighthouse was transformed into the Turnberry Halfway House, where golfers can pause for the usual recharge while soaking in the splendid panorama. As if they anticipated the Halfway House becoming an attraction of its own, the patio area was equipped with comfortable seating, inviting those who wish to linger the opportunity to do so. The Turnberry Halfway House might be the only one in the world where golfers are known to return for a second visit after their round.
Castle Ruins
As you depart the Halfway House and make your way to the 10th tee, you’ll notice what remains of Turnberry Castle. The castle was built in the 13th century and was the boyhood home and possible birthplace of the great Scottish King, Robert the Bruce. When the castle was on the verge of capture in 1310, Robert the Bruce ordered it to be destroyed. The castle was never rebuilt and the ruins adjacent to the lighthouse are all that remains.
RAF Turnberry Memorial
During both World Wars, Turnberry was requisitioned by the British military for use as an air force base. The remnants of its time as RAF Turnberry can be seen in numerous places around the property, including significant portions of the former runways. Next to the 12th green, a memorial was erected in honor of those who lost their lives while serving at RAF Turnberry. The memorial is perched on a small hill, and is worth the short climb for a moment of remembrance.
King Robert the Bruce
Along with the dramatic transformation of the Ailsa course, the reimagination of Turnberry also welcomed a revamp of the King Robert the Bruce course. Like the Ailsa, the redesigned course makes use of the seaside views and offers an enjoyable test of golf. If you’re looking to knock off the jet lag after arriving from across the pond, the King Robert the Bruce is a fine place to do it.
The Duel in the Sun
Naturally, every great golf course requires an equally great 19th hole to celebrate the day. The aptly named Duel in the Sun provides just that. From the 2nd story of the clubhouse, you can enjoy post-round beverages, remarkably good fare, and soak in the panorama as the sun fades over the Atlantic and the Ailsa Craig.
The H&B Forces toasting a memorable trip at the Duel in the Sun
Where is Turnberry located?
Turnberry is located on the west coast of Scotland in the county of Ayrshire, approximately 50 miles south of Glasgow.
When do Turnberry Ailsa tee times become available?
Unlike other golf clubs around the British Isles, the Ailsa course is part of a broader resort. Rather than opening the tee sheet on a set day for the entire year ahead, Turnberry Ailsa tee times are typically available to golf travel companies much further in advance. Generally speaking, however, we’d advise discussing Scotland golf packages with an H&B Expedition Planning Manager at least one year in advance. Perhaps longer depending on your destination, as explained in this guide.
Who designed the Turnberry Ailsa course?
The original Ailsa course was badly damaged during the resort’s time as RAF Turnberry. Phillip Mackenzie Ross was hired to restore the course after World War II, and the Ailsa was soon added to The Open rota. In recent years, the dramatic transformation of the Ailsa course by Mackenzie & Ebert has been met with near universal praise. No stone was left unturned in the process, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
What other golf courses should I play near Turnberry?
The Ayrshire coast is a popular choice for Scotland golf trips thanks to the rich assortment of links at hand. In addition to the Ailsa course, Prestwick Golf Club – the Birthplace of The Open Championship – as well as Royal Troon and its famous Postage Stamp are both just a short drive away. Nearby, Western Gailes is another fine links course that generally finds its way into the starting lineup of golf trips to this part of Scotland.
Are caddies available at Turnberry?
Yes, caddies are available at Turnberry, but like all clubs around the British Isles, they can not be guaranteed. Consult our Caddie FAQs to learn more about caddies on your golf trip to Scotland.
Do I have to stay at Turnberry to play the Ailsa course?
Although Turnberry is the preferred accommodation choice for most of our travelers, staying at the hotel is not a requirement to play the Ailsa course.
What are the best rooms to book when staying at Turnberry?
Turnberry features a variety of accommodation options, from traditional guestrooms, to spacious suites, to multi-bedroom villas. Your H&B Expedition Planning Manager can help guide you to the right choice for your group, however one suggestion remains constant: Reserve the Oceanview. The famous sunset at Turnberry will make it worth every penny of the difference.
What interesting sites should I see while visiting Turnberry?
Although the sightseeing is a little limited in this part of Scotland, an exploration of Culzean Castle should not be missed. Of course, there are several interesting sites right on the Turnberry property. The famous lighthouse features the best halfway house in golf as well as the ancient ruins of Turnberry Castle – the birthplace of Robert the Bruce. Also, near the 12th green is an impressive monument to those lost during both World Wars. But the most interesting site at Turnberry is actually an event… At 6:30pm each day, the Turnberry Piper emerges to fill the resort with the sounds of Scotland.
How far is Turnberry from the other areas of Scotland?
What other destinations can I visit via the nearby ferries?
Ferry service from the west coast of Scotland provides a gateway to a few other outstanding areas for golf. From Ardrossan you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Arran, home to the enigmatic 12-hole course at Shiskine. In addition, there is ferry service from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, which is home to Machrihanish Golf Club and Machrihanish Dunes. To the south of Turnberry, ferry service connects the port at Cairnryan to Belfast, enabling golfers to combine the links of Northern Ireland with those of Ayrshire.
As one of the iconic destinations for golf in Scotland, Turnberry ranks on the must-play list for most golf travelers. It’s also the kind of place that you won’t want to rush. Plan a few days, play the Aisla more than once, and enjoy Golf and the Good Life at its Finest.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Turnberry Scotland, visit the pages below, read our Scotland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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