The Ailsa Course

Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is one of the finest golf courses in the world. It’s ranked No. 2 in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses (2026). Located on Scotland’s west coast, it offers views across the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. The course is famous for its championship history, natural scenery, and challenge.

The Ailsa Course Design

Originally designed by Willie Fernie in 1901, the course has been updated by Philip Mackenzie Ross and Martin Ebert.

Significant enhancements arrived in 2016, followed by a further £1 million transformation completed in May 2025. These improved the rhythm of play, added new challenges, and maximized the coastal setting.

The seventh green now hugs the cliffside for a stunning and daring approach. The eighth has been reshaped with new tee placements and a cleaner, more strategic line into the green. Additional updates to holes 12 through 17 make the course stand out.

Course Challenges

The Ailsa presents a true test shaped by the elements. Firm, fast-running fairways and ever-changing coastal winds call for both creativity and precision. Strategic bunkering rewards thoughtful decision-making. Multiple tee options ensure accessibility for everyone, from low handicappers to those enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime round.

Signature Holes

Signature holes define the Ailsa experience.

Hole 9 is a long par-3, about 248 yards, played toward the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse. It ranks among the most stunning golf holes in the world.

Hole 10 is a long par-5 along the bay, and the 11th hole is a demanding par-3 by the sea. These holes form a memorable stretch that rivals the finest coastal sequences anywhere.

The 18th hole, forever known as “Duel in the Sun,” commemorates the legendary 1977 Open Championship battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

Facilities

The club offers great facilities for every visit. The clubhouse was fully updated and reopened in 2015. It has one of the largest golf shops in Europe, offering the latest clothes and equipment. A replica Claret Jug and Open memorabilia are on display.

The Golf Academy offers great practice areas, TrackMan technology, and PGA-certified instructors. Guests can also play the Wee Links Pitch & Putt, use the Cairngorms Putting Green, and use additional practice areas. Caddies, club hire, and related services are available to enhance the experience.

Hosted Tournaments

The Ailsa Course has hosted four Open Championships. The most famous was the 1977 “Duel in the Sun.” Greg Norman won in 1986, Nick Price in 1994, and Stewart Cink in 2009. The course has also held Senior Opens, amateur championships, and other prestigious tournaments, making it a key part of golf history.

Book Now

The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry is a four-time venue of the Open Championship and has hosted many prestigious events since its post-war renovation. Whether you want a championship test or a memorable round framed by Scotland’s rugged west coast, the Championship Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry stands ready. Book your tee time and see this legendary Scottish links for yourself.