Introduction: Turnberry’s Dramatic Rebirth
The Ailsa Course of Trump Turnberry is one of the best places for golf enthusiasts due to its history and breathtaking landscape. It features a stunning view of the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig, which makes it one of the most challenging and beautiful places to play golf in the world.
The course is part of the famous resort, and is the pride of it. The iconic Royal Turnberry is known throughout the world. It has a unique blend of modern styles and traditional Scottish links. It is infamous for it’s difficult and beautiful sceneries such as towering cliffs, rolling sand dunes and the vast ocean.
If you are wondering “where is Turnberry Golf Course?”, It is situated an hour from Glasgow, which is on the coast of Scotland. The gorgeous landscape combined with Trump Turnberry Golf Course makes it a must-visit for golfers. No wonder the golf course has hosted several open championships.
Visitors can find numerous Turnberry golf courses, such as Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce Courses. As with any other golf course, it is advisable to check the Turnberry golf course green fees or more specifically, the Trump Turnberry green fees, since they fluctuate with the seasons. Many players type “Turnberry green fees” or “Trump Turnberry green fees” in search engines to optimize their time on the course.
A Brief History of Trump Turnberry Ailsa Golf Course
The Turnberry Ailsa Course, located on the rugged Ayrshire Coast of Scotland, boasts a rich history that begins in 1906.
The course was first designed by Willie Fernie and later on he was succeeded by Mackenzie Ross, who redesigned the Turnberry’ s layout after WWII when it was converted into an airfield. Its breathtaking views along the coast and the difficulty of the course brought it international recognition for hosting four Open Championships including the famous “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977.
After the purchased of the resort by the Trump Organization in 2014, the course underwent drastic changes that were headed by Mackenzie & Ebert. This included the 9th hole which is now recognized as one of the worlds most iconic par 3 holes. Today, the Trump Turnbery Ailsa is celebrated as a blend of modern and historical golfing acomplishments with it’s placement among the best golf courses on the planet.
The New 9th Hole – A World-Class Par 3
The recently added 9th hole at the Trump Turnberry Golf Course has redefined modern standards for a par-3 hole.It comes as no surprise that the lighthouse and Ailsa Craig views are complemented with the stunning addition to the Ailsa Course Turnberry.
As part of the ongoing improvements being made at Trump Turnberry Golf, the new hole integrates superb championship challenge with breathtaking scenery.
Its integration into the legendary Royal Turnberry is garnering praise as one of the best short holes in golf. Regardless if you are a returning player or a visitor, this stunning masterpiece is bound to enhance your experience at the Turnberry Golf Course.
Course Design at Trump Turnberry Ailsa Golf Scotland
The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry sits on the rugged Ayrshire coast and is the best part of Turnberry Scotland golf courses. This par-70 gem has hosted four Open Championships and is 7,489 yards long from the championship tees. In reviews of Turnberry Golf Club, players mention the dramatic coastal holes, precise bunkers, and fast, undulating greens.
The adjacent course once named Kintyre and now King Robert the Bruce is a 72 par course 7,222 yards long. It features a combination of links and parkland style on rolling land which adds to the appeal of Turnberry Golf Club Scotland and makes it one of the best golf courses near Turnberry in terms of design and beauty which any Turnberry golf fan would love.
Facilities and Amenities at Trump Turnberry
Besides two golf courses of which one is a championship golf course, Trump Turnberry Resort have some fancy accommodation options such as the famous Turnberry Lighthouse Suite which is located on the Ailsa Course and provides great views of the coast. The resort also has its signature restaurant, The Duel in the Sun which has some distinct culinary offerings along with numerous recreational amenities, a spa, a fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool.
1. Elegant Clubhouse with Premium Services
The clubhouse affords breathtaking panoramic views of the Ailsa Course and the rugged Ayrshire coastline. It combines modern comfort with rich tradition, offering comfortable players’ lounges, luxurious locker rooms, and even a professional golf shop stocked with top-tier apparel, equipment, and memorabilia.
2. Turnberry Performance Academy
Perfect for both novice and experienced golfers, Turnberry Performance Academy is a state-of-the-art training facility. Offering private and group lessons, the academy uses TrackMan technology and indoor hitting bays with PGA qualified instructors, allowing for comprehensive training. Players can adjust their game to professional-level standards through custom club fitting and swing analysis.
3. Caddie Services and Golf Concierge
Improving upon the standard links experience, Turnberry's professional caddies offer helpful local knowledge to assist golfers with the more difficult course layouts. The committed golf concierge team takes care of each tee-time booking as well as on-course drinks, making each round effortless and unforgettable.
4. Lighthouse Halfway House
Perhaps best known as a halfway house in golf, this picturesque place’s location next to the historic Turnberry lighthouse is striking. A former WWII lookout post and now a luxury retreat, it still serves as a refreshment stop for players. Providing light foods, beverages, and breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig, it is truly a highlight for any golfer on the Ailsa Course.
5. Five-Star Accommodation Options
Besides being a premier golf destination, Trump Turnberry is known as a resort. Its hotel offers historical suites alongside exquisite rooms, as well as deluxe cottages. Guests can also choose self catering lodges which are perfect for families or groups. The fusion of timeless Scottish design and contemporary opulence makes for a very comfortable stay.
6. Exceptional Dining Experiences
From casual to exquisite dishes, Turnberry has numerous options for dining. Offering relaxed dining overlooking the 18th green is The Duel in the Sun Bar. More refined Scottish dishes can be found at The 1906 Restaurant. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails served at The Grand Tea Lounge and Bar comes with a light but sophisticated atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
7. The Spa at Turnberry
Following a day on the links, guests may relax at the full-service Turnberry Spa. This includes access to indoor heated swimming pools, modern gyms, Jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms. With a broad selection of both massages and skincare therapies, it serves as an excellent location for post-game relaxation or a soothing getaway retreat.
Fees at Trump Turnberry's Ailsa Golf Course 2025
Green fees at Trump Turnberry vary depending on the time of year and the course being played. They also offer a range of stay-and-play packages that include accommodations, meals, and rounds of golf.
Resident rates for 2025
| Course | Season | Day Type | Rate Type | Green Fee (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ailsa Course (18 holes) | Spring (Mar–Apr; Oct) | Mon–Fri | Visitor | £315 (flat off-peak rate) |
| Mon–Fri | Hotel Resident | Approx. £265 (estimated) | ||
| Sat–Sun | Visitor | £315 (same as weekday) | ||
| Sat–Sun | Hotel Resident | Approx. £265 (estimated) | ||
| Ailsa Course | Summer (May–Sept) | Morning (pre-1pm) | Visitor | £1,000 |
| Morning (pre-1pm) | Hotel Resident | £425 | ||
| Afternoon (post-1pm) | Visitor | £545 | ||
| Afternoon (post-1pm) | Hotel Resident | £425 | ||
| Ailsa Course | Autumn (Oct) | All Days | Visitor | £315 |
| All Days | Hotel Resident | Approx. £265 (estimated) | ||
| King Robert the Bruce | Spring (Apr; Oct) | Mon–Thurs | Visitor | ~£100 |
| Fri–Sun | Visitor | ~£115 | ||
| Mon–Thurs | Hotel Resident | ~£80–£90 | ||
| Fri–Sun | Hotel Resident | ~£95–£100 | ||
| King Robert the Bruce | Summer (May–Sept) | Mon–Fri | Visitor | ~£150 (estimated) |
| Sat–Sun | Visitor | ~£175 (estimated) | ||
| All Days | Hotel Resident | ~£120–£140 | ||
| King Robert the Bruce | Autumn (Sept–Oct) | All Days | Visitor | ~£100–£115 |
| All Days | Hotel Resident | ~£80–£95 | ||
| Arran Course (9 holes) | All Seasons | Any Day | Visitor or Resident | £30 per round |
Non resident rates for 2025
| Course | Season | Day Type | Rate Type | Green Fee (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ailsa Course (18 holes) | Spring (Mar–Apr; Oct) | Mon–Fri | Visitor | £315 |
| Sat–Sun | Visitor | £315 | ||
| Ailsa Course | Summer (May–Sept) | Morning (pre-1pm) | Visitor | £1,000 |
| Afternoon (post-1pm) | Visitor | £545 | ||
| Ailsa Course | Autumn (Oct) | All Days | Visitor | £315 |
| King Robert the Bruce | Spring (Apr; Oct) | Mon–Thurs | Visitor | ~£100 |
| Fri–Sun | Visitor | ~£115 | ||
| King Robert the Bruce | Summer (May–Sept) | Mon–Fri | Visitor | ~£150 (est.) |
| Sat–Sun | Visitor | ~£175 (est.) | ||
| King Robert the Bruce | Autumn (Sept–Oct) | All Days | Visitor | ~£100–£115 |
| Arran Course (9 holes) | All Seasons | Any Day | Visitor | £30 |
Hire Items Rate
| Hire Item | Rate (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trolley | £10 | Standard pull trolley |
| Electric Trolley | £30 | Battery-powered |
| Buggy | £60 | Only available on King Robert the Bruce Course |
| Ailsa Buggy | £25 | Must be used with a caddie |
| Clubs | £65 | Full set rental |
| Shoes | £20 | Rental golf shoes |
| Caddie | £65 | Plus tip (required on Ailsa) |
| Forecaddie (2 Players) | £85 | Shared between 2 players |
| Forecaddie (3 Players) | £95 | Shared between 3 players |
| Forecaddie (4 Players) | £105 | Shared between 4 players |
Why Some Golfers Might Skip Turnberry
Despite Turnberry’s stunning coastal views and historic Open Championship legacy, many golfers now skip it because reaching the site is tricky and it has not appeared on the rota since 2009.
Perched on Scotland’s remote west coast, the drive to Turnberry requires more planning than journeys to centrally positioned links such as St Andrews or Carnoustie.
Furthermore, since the course came under the Trump Organization, some players and overseas visitors steer clear, swayed by political ties or doubts about when, or whether, it will stage elite tournaments again.
Even with first-rate greens, lodging and service, these off-course issues-access, travel logistics and brand image-often tilt the decision away from an otherwise outstanding round.
Trump’s Vision and Mackenzie & Ebert’s Renovation
Following Trump’s 2014 purchase-for his plan to remake Turnberry into a top-tier getaway-he teamed with course designers Mackenzie & Ebert to rethink the storied Ailsa Course
Golf Digest
In 2015, Martin Ebert led a restoration that respected the original Mackenzie-Ross blueprint while adding coastal flair to holes six through eleven, creating five new holes, reshaping bunkers and tees, and extending yardage for both championships and daily players.
Most recently, in 2025, Ebert moved the par-five seventh green to the edge of the cliff, straightened the par-four eighth to frame the lighthouse, and paid for the tweaks with £1 million in targeted work.
Trump’s desire to fuse top-level tournament readiness with breathtaking seaside scenery, coupled with Ebert’s thoughtful design, has solidified Turnberry’s standing among the sport’s great links courses.
Bunker Rework and Course Strategy
During Mackenzie & Ebert’s 2015-16 update, Turnberry underwent a sweeping bunker renovation: every greenside trap was rebuilt with crisper edges, varied tongues and lobes, and an eye for placement that steers club selection on approach shots.
Fairway bunkers were trimmed and repositioned to match new tees and landing areas on pivotal holes such as 7, 8, 12, 15, and 16, strengthening visual guides while tightening the penalty for errant drives.
The addition of protective revetted profiles, combined with precise siting, obliges players to weigh aggressive lines against safer paths, particularly on downhill entries and along the resort’s dramatic sea cliffs.
Taken together, the reworked bunkering crafts a more even blend of risk and reward: it punishes overconfidence yet leaves room for careful, calculated play. The outcome is a course that not only dazzles the eye but also tests a golfer’s strategy as rigorously as raw distance.
Compared to St Andrews – Different but Equal Magic
At St Andrews, you stroll through golf’s oldest shrine six-hundred-year-old public course that shelters the legendary Old Course, with its 112 storied bunkers, double greens, and the famous Swilcan Bridge.
Here, tradition reigns, and the history feels more communal than fiercely dramatic.
By contrast, Turnberry’s Ailsa Course unleashes coastal ferocity: rolling dunes, cliff-top thrills, and sweeping views across the Irish Sea, earning it a top-ten UK links slot beside St Andrews.
It’s the 2016 Ebert upgrade added bold design and eye-catching holes that test the modern player’s skill.
So while St Andrews charms with shared legacy, Turnberry dazzles through dramatic land and sea; both serve first-class links magic, yet each offers a distinctly different adventure.
Lighthouse Halfway House & 10th–11th Coastal Play
Turnberrys storied lighthouse, erected in 1873 and automated in 1986, underwent a dramatic makeover in 2016 when it was converted into a luxurious halfway house, offering full food service, ample seating, and even suites guests can rent overnight.
From that vantage, the tenth unfolds as a nerve-testing, cliff-hugging par-5, crowned by a distracting doughnut bunker that commands attention and quick arithmetic on strokes lost if you land in it.
That hole flows straight to the seaswept eleventh, a par-3 played over rocky outcrop and crashing surf, together forming a three-hole sequence almost universally praised as one of the most visually arresting in golf.
Whereas St Andrews charms with ancient fairways, collective lore, and landmarks such as the Swilcan Bridge, Turnberry offers high-octane coastal drama; its lighthouse perch and edge-of-the-world layouts deliver a visceral show that, while equal in prestige, defines a distinct and equally significant links experience.
Back Nine Challenges and the Lengthened 17th
Turnberry’s closing holes merge muscle with meticulous shot-making, delivering both spectacle and tactical contrast.
On holes thirteen through sixteen, subtle routing updates by Mackenzie & Ebert-a fortified bank behind twelve, fresh angles on thirteen, and rebuilt teas at fourteen and fifteen-weave extra layers of intrigue into an already storied stretch.
A significant extension on the par-four seventeenth-nudging it towards five hundred yards from the back markers-complements a relocated, elevated green and uphill approach, forcing players down a slender fairway before confronting a demanding second shot.
At eighteen, the old dogleg has been straightened and lengthened, presenting a dramatic, open-ending climb from a new dune-top tee that reveals sweeping views of the Firth of Clyde.
Taken together, the inward nine supplies a rigorous, reflective counterpoint to the earlier seaside drama, fusing mental challenge with breathtaking scenery in equal measure.
Gallery of the Trump Turnberry ailsa golf course: A Visual Journey
Membership at Trump Turnberry
Where is Golf Course Trump Turnberry?
Trump Turnberry Resort is located in the town of Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland. From Glasgow, it takes about 1.5 hours to get there, while from Edinburgh it is closer to 2.5 hours. The closest airport is Glasgow International Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour drive away.
Trump Turnberry
Turnberry,
Girvan
KA26 9LT
Phone: +44 1655 331000
Web: www.turnberry.co.uk
