Trump Turnberry Resort (Ailsa)

Experience one of Scotland's most dramatically renovated championship links, where Martin Ebert's 2015-16 transformation created five completely new holes along the coastal edge. Further £1 million refinements in May 2025 elevated multiple holes, including the spectacular clifftop 7th green and reshaped 8th, completing a bold, beautiful and unforgettable championship test.

History of Trump Turnberry Ailsa

Archibald Kennedy, 3rd Marquess of Ailsa, conceived Turnberry after the 1899 announcement of the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway. He owned 71 hectares of agriculturally unsuitable land at Turnberry Green and recognised the new railway would deliver golfers to a quality links. Willie Fernie designed 13 holes opening on 6th July 1901, with the architect James Miller's Station Hotel opening on 17th May 1906, featuring then-revolutionary electric lighting and running water.

The First World War saw the dunes levelled for airstrips and military facilities. In 1938, Cecil Hutchison redesigned the Ailsa, creating the foundational routing that endures today. The Second World War brought more extensive damage when the Royal Air Force established a flying school, with the resort serving as a military hospital. Up to 200 personnel perished at the base during wartime operations.

Post-war restoration appeared uncertain until Frank Hole, chairman of British Transport Hotels, convinced the Government to rebuild. Philip Mackenzie Ross removed concrete runways, covered the land with sand and topsoil, and reopened the Ailsa in 1951. The course hosted its first Open Championship in 1977, when Watson and Nicklaus played the final two rounds paired together, finishing 11 strokes ahead of third-placed Hubert Green. Watson's closing 65 secured victory by one stroke.

Greg Norman claimed the 1986 Open with a second-round 63 in brutal conditions, going out in 32 despite two bogeys. Nick Price won in 1994, whilst 59-year-old Watson nearly secured his sixth Claret Jug in 2009 before losing a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink after bogeying the 72nd hole. Donald Trump purchased the resort from Leisurecorp for $60 million (£47 million) in 2014. Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert conducted extensive renovations from 2015-16, with over £200 million invested in the resort transformation. The course reopened on the 1st June 2016.

In May 2025, Ebert returned to complete a further £1 million transformation following years of thoughtful enhancements. Strategic refinements across seven holes improved playing rhythm, introduced new dimensions of challenge, and maximised the coastal drama. The 7th green was repositioned to hug the cliffside, delivering a spectacular and daring approach. The 8th was comprehensively reshaped with new tee placements and a cleaner, more strategic line into the green. Additional updates to the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes were also made.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The Ailsa follows an out-and-back routing with the prevailing wind typically assisting the outward nine before golfers face it returning. From championship tees, the layout extends to 7,489 yards playing as par-71. Ebert created new par-threes at the 6th and 11th holes, converted the former par-four 9th into an ocean-edge par-three, and transformed the 5th, 10th and 14th into par-fives whilst lengthening the 17th into a par-four.

The transformation centred on the coastal stretch from the 4th through 11th holes. The 6th became a completely new, shorter par-three with both tees and green relocated closer to the water. The 2025 refinements repositioned the 7th green to hug the cliffside, creating a spectacular and daring approach shot that ranks among championship golf's most dramatic. The adjacent 8th received comprehensive reshaping with new tee placements establishing a cleaner, more strategic line into the green.

The renovated lighthouse now serves as the halfway house, with the 9th green positioned adjacent to this landmark structure and the 13th-century ruins of Bruce's Castle, the reputed birthplace of Robert the Bruce. Ebert broke up the existing 9th, 10th and 11th holes to create a new par-three/par-five/par-three sequence, shifting them farther against the rocky bluffs over sections of Castle Port Bay. The 10th stretches as a par-five with a forced carry from championship tees into a wide fairway, whilst the new 11th plays across cliffs in a more protected section.

The inward half received significant attention in the 2025 work. Strategic updates to the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes further defined the Ailsa's identity, refining shot values and green complexes throughout. Every tee, green and bunker was reconstructed during the 2016 renovation with greens built using sandier root zones mixing old material with dune sand for improved drainage and firmer surfaces.

The closing sequence demands precision, with the 17th among the holes receiving 2025 refinements. The 18th now plays on a direct line from dunes overlooking the sea towards the hotel, with new tees eliminating the former dogleg. Ebert replaced traditional revetted bunkers with ragged-edged ones throughout the layout.

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

The Ayrshire coastline offers exceptional links golf within convenient touring distance. Royal Troon lies 39km (24 miles) north, approximately 30 minutes' driving via the A77 and A719. Prestwick Golf Club, birthplace of The Open Championship, sits 34km (21 miles) north, roughly 28 minutes' driving. Western Gailes occupies a similar distance north along the coast. Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, lies 82km (51 miles) northeast, approximately one hour's driving via the A77.

Ayr provides an accommodation base 32km (20 miles) north for those preferring coastal town lodging. Multi-day Ayrshire itineraries typically combine Turnberry with Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes, with all courses accessible within 45 minutes' driving.

Practical Planning

Advance booking proves essential year-round, with premium pricing reflecting championship pedigree. The Trump Turnberry resort offers on-site accommodation from traditional guest-rooms to multi-bedroom villas, with ocean-view rooms commanding premium rates for sunset views across the Firth of Clyde. The King Robert the Bruce course provides a complementary 18-hole option following recent renovation.

Transport Information ✈️

Glasgow Prestwick Airport: 34km (21 miles) north, approximately 30 minutes' driving via the A77 with major car rental facilities and direct motorway connections.

Glasgow International Airport: 82km (51 miles) northeast, approximately one hour's driving via the M77 and A77 for broader international connections.

Ground Transport: Primary access via the A77 motorway from Glasgow, exiting onto the A719 at Kirkoswald. The historic Turnberry railway station operated from 1906-1942 on the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway, but passenger services no longer run.

Private Aviation: Prestwick Airport accommodates private aviation 34km (21 miles) north.

Seasonal Timing

Spring (March-May): Course emerges from winter dormancy with improving conditions from April onwards. Advance booking is essential as daylight extends and demand increases. Moderate temperatures with unpredictable Ayrshire weather patterns.

Summer (June-August): Peak season delivers the longest daylight hours with play possible until 22:00 in midsummer. Premium pricing applies with maximum booking requirements. Coastal location moderates temperatures, but wind remains a constant factor.

Autumn (September-November): Shoulder season offers the finest playing conditions with firmer turf and reduced visitor numbers. September and October were particularly favoured before deteriorating weather from November. Advance booking is still recommended.

Winter (December-February): Play continues weather-permitting with reduced rates, though coastal storms can suspend operations. Links remains playable during dry spells with excellent drainage. Shortest daylight hours limit rounds.

Trump Turnberry Ailsa: The Verdict

The 2015-16 transformation elevated the Ailsa to unprecedented levels, with May 2025 refinements completing Ebert's vision across a decade of continuous enhancement.

The coastal sequence from the 4th through 11th holes now rivals any stretch in championship golf, whilst the spectacular clifftop 7th green, comprehensively reshaped 8th, and strategic modifications through the inward half create a bold, beautiful and unforgettable test.

Four Open Championships and seven Senior Open Championships demonstrate tournament credentials, whilst the routing delivers Scotland's most dramatic seaside golf.

Premium pricing reflects five-star resort amenities and championship pedigree, making this one of Scotland's most significant financial commitments for travelling golfers.

The Ayrshire location, within an hour of Glasgow and 30 minutes of Prestwick and Royal Troon, positions this ideally for multi-course itineraries exploring Scotland's southwest coastal links.