The latest phase of the renovation of the iconic Ailsa Course at the Trump Turnberry Hotel & Resort is now complete and has re-opened for general play.
Key changes have been seen at the 7th and 8th holes, following redesign work by Martin Ebert of design experts Mackenzie & Ebert.
The work was prompted by Donald Trump and his son Eric, who oversees the Trump golf empire, including the £200m restoration of Trump Turnberry Resort over 2015-16.
What Has Changed at Turnberry’s Ailsa Course
Despite numerous improvements made to the Ailsa since they took ownership in 2014, the pair had long eyed a stretch of land to the left of the 7th green.
They recalled Ebert, showed him their plans and a redesign scheme was hatched.
“The Trumps wanted to make the most of Turnberry’s stunning location by moving the green 50 metres to the left, positioning it right to the coastal edge,” said Ebert.
“It has produced the most incredible golf hole, a dogleg around the corner, and the green setting which is absolutely remarkable. Another amazing coastal hole for Turnberry.”
The change allowed a realignment of the following hole by moving the tees to the right making the hole straighter, more appealing visually and playable.
Other changes have included new banking behind the 12th and 15th greens and work on the the 14th and 17th tees.
While it seems a difficult task to make improvements to a course considered to be among the world’s finest, the latest works do not amount to a “job done” according to Ebert last week.
At a media launch he admitted that whilst he had not been asked to look at any aspects of the course specifically, he felt there was still room for improvement.
He said: “Looking around the 4th, 5th, 15th and 17th we’ve already got a few ideas, but these aren’t major changes.”
But the par 3 15th could be altered to mimic the challenge of the famous Calamity Corner at Royal Portrush he believes.
History of Improvements at Turnberry
Evolution has been a constant theme at Turnberry since the course opened in 1901.
Among the most notable was the rebuilding of the course after it had been used as a training ground by the RAF in the Second World War. Mackenzie Ross was called in and he removed runways and restored the course to its glory between 1949 and 1951.
Its high profile endured but was greatly enhanced when Donald Trump bought the courses and hotel, renaming the resort Trump Turnberry.
Ebert was hired to reinvigorate both Ailsa and the newly named sister course, King Robert the Bruce, soon after in 2015.
The massive makeover at Ailsa then included replacement holes around the lighthouse, all fairway bunkers reconstructed and large sandy wastes introduced.
Players will be mightily impressed with the course improvements and may be surprised with the lushness of the fairways and grass pathways.
Other golf facilities at the resort include the nine hole Arran course and the cute Wee Links pitch & putt. Extensive practice areas and a newly revamped academy featuring Trackman studios complete the picture.
Recent work on the 7th and 8th has produced a seamless transition and those enjoying the course for the first time would be forgiven for thinking they were part of the original design. The new green plays in tune with the others, and the approach gives absolutely stunning views.
Ebert’s enhancements to the King Robert the Bruce has produced a classic course in its own right and holes 8-11 could easily be considered to be world class.
Will Turnberry Host The Open Again?
Trump has eyes on bringing The Open Championship back to Turnberry in 2028. The course has staged the event four times, remains on the rota, but hasn’t been selected since 2009. While there are concerns over its location, Trump seems determined and has already lobbied PM Sir Keir Starmer who says the decision rests with The R&A.
If you want to experience Turnberry yourself, please visit our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best deals and packages.
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