Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course Reopens After £1 Million Refurbishment
Trump Turnberry’s iconic Ailsa Course has reopened following a £1 million renovation led by renowned golf architect Martin Ebert.
Known as one of the finest links courses in the world and a four-time host of The Open, the Ailsa continues to evolve, with a series of carefully considered updates that enhance both the layout and the visual drama of the course.
Closed since October 2024, the course officially reopened on 1 June to members and local residents, with general bookings available from 1 July.
Ebert’s latest work focuses primarily on holes seven and eight, but further refinements have also been made across the course, including updates to holes 12 through 17.
Coastal Drama on the Seventh and Eighth
The most notable transformation can be seen at the seventh hole, where the green has been relocated 50 yards closer to the sea, now perched on the very edge of the rugged Ayrshire coastline.
This move creates one of the most spectacular putting surfaces in the British Isles, maximising the impact of Turnberry’s natural setting and providing a thrilling new risk-reward opportunity.
“There aren’t many links courses where you have greens right on the cliff edge – so that is very special in its own right,” said Martin Ebert, reflecting on the redesigned seventh.
The adjacent eighth hole has also seen significant improvement.
A new set of tee boxes realigns the hole to eliminate the previous blind approach, creating a more visually appealing and strategically rewarding par 4.
A right-side bunker has been removed and replaced by a new hazard on the left to suit the altered fairway line.
“The tee shot will be far improved with the new alignment, making the hole visually stunning from your first shot to your last,” Ebert added.
In addition to the work on holes seven and eight, several other changes have been made:
- New banking behind the 12th and 15th greens
- Tee box updates at holes 14 and 17
- Refinements on the 13th hole for better playability and visual cohesion
These adjustments aim to maintain the Ailsa’s status as one of the world’s premier golfing destinations while enhancing the playing experience for all levels of golfer.
Ongoing Investment in a World-Class Golf Destination
Nic Oldham, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, emphasised the resort’s ongoing commitment to excellence:
“We, together with the owner, are always looking for ways to elevate the entire offering at Trump Turnberry. This includes the Ailsa and there is nobody better than Martin Ebert when it comes to taking this course to a new level.”
Oldham described the seventh green as now “one of the most picturesque and thrilling greens in the UK,” while praising the improved playability of the eighth hole.
The Ailsa Course, which famously staged the 1977 ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, remains a highlight of links golf in the UK.
This latest renovation continues a legacy of thoughtful evolution, with Ebert also responsible for the neighbouring King Robert the Bruce Course, which recently joined the Ailsa in Golf Digest’s World’s Greatest 100 Courses.
The Turnberry Golf Academy has also seen significant upgrades, including the launch of a new 11-bay Trackman range, a Trackman Simulator, and a refreshed Academy Café, offering visitors state-of-the-art practice and coaching facilities.
With its blend of history, championship pedigree, and modern upgrades, Trump Turnberry continues to offer a complete golf experience on Scotland’s west coast.
