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Turnberry (Ailsa), Scotland |
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Turnberry Resort
Turnberry
Ayrshire
KA26 9LT
Scotland |  | Philip Mackenzie Ross |  | Chris Card |
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 | +44 (0) 1655 334032 |  | 18 miles S of Ayr on A77 |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Contact Golf Reservations Office |  | Chris Card |
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 Turnberry was the last course to be added to the Open Championship rotation. It may have hosted only four Opens but it has become a firm favourite.
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Date
1977
1986
1994
2009 |
Winner
Tom Watson
Greg Norman
Nick Price
Stewart Cink |
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Country
USA
Australia
Zimbabwe
USA |
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| | The Ailsa course at the Turnberry Resort is probably the most scenic Open Championship golf course. Situated on a craggy headland overlooking the small granite island of Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde, with superb views across to the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran, the course is located in an ideal spot for playing golf.
Turnberry Golf Club was established in 1902 and Willie Fernie of Troon was commissioned by the third Marquess of Ailsa to lay out a championship length course on part of the former Culzean Estate. In 1906, the Turnberry Hotel opened and, in those days, there was even an impressive covered link-way which connected the hotel to the railway station. Wealthy Edwardian guests would not arrive at this hotel wet and bedraggled.
Turnberry twice came close to extinction; it was requisitioned during both World Wars and used as an airbase. During the Second World War, a number of holes were flattened and turned into expansive concrete runways. It was the tenacity of the then owners that saved the course. Philip Mackenzie Ross was given the task of returning the flattened land back to its former glory. It was a huge task, but in 1951, after two years of intensive work, the links reopened.
Mackenzie Ross did a great job; the highest compliment being paid when, in 1977, the Ailsa course hosted its first Open. The 1977 Open was a classic, notorious for the famous battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Watson hit an amazing 65 in the last two rounds to beat Nicklaus by one shot. To commemorate this incredible head-to-head tussle, the 18th hole has been renamed the Duel in the Sun.
In the 1986 Open, Greg Norman had an amazing second round in windy conditions. He went out in 32, despite two bogies and had a putt on the 18th for a back nine score of 29. Unfortunately he three-putted, but his round of 63 is still considered to be one of the very best in Open Championship history. He went on to win by five clear shots. The Open returned to Turnberry in 1994 and the Claret Jug was claimed by Nick Price.
The Ailsa course underwent a number of changes under the watchful eyes of design team Mackenzie & Ebert ahead of the 2009 Open Championship. Extensive alterations were made to the 10th, 16th and 17th holes with tweaks made to several other holes. Click here for more.
The 2009 Open Championship was perhaps one of the most exciting events in modern-day history. The whole world focused on 59-year-old Tom Watson who led going into the final round. Watson required a par four on the 72nd hole to win the Open but sadly he couldn’t get up and down from just off the green and made bogey. Watson went on to lose the 4-hole play-off with fellow American Stewart Cink who gladly claimed his first and very much unexpected Major title.
Essentially, the Ailsa’s an out and back layout with the prevailing wind usually at your back for the outward nine. The stretch of holes from the 4th to the 11th is thrilling and the scenery breathtaking. The tee shot on the par four 9th fills you with trepidation as you drive over the rugged shoreline to a blind fairway. This signature hole, called “Bruce’s Castle” takes you past the famous lighthouse and Robert the Bruce’s ruined castle.
The last four holes are as demanding as you will find anywhere, beginning at the short 15th, which falls away sharply to the right of the green. Wilson’s Burn winds round the front of the next hole, catching anything short of the putting surface, and it's followed by a long, narrow par five that rollercoasters wildly from tee to green. The hotel then forms an imposing backdrop to the 18th hole – recently renamed "Duel in the Sun" – where many a dramatic moment has unfolded in recent Open championships. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | Booked a round on a Friday afternoon, as a hotel guest. I play a bit of golf, but I'm not a member of a club and don't have a handicap - I imagine I'd be competent to play to 28. So this was going to be a challenge. It was a cold but sunny day. The staff in the clubhouse were friendly and welcoming. I wasn't paired up with anyone. They told me to take my time, enjoy it and take some photos! The locker rooms were luxurious - the locals gave me plenty of tips about playing to the back of every green and taking an extra club, etc. After 30min on the practice range and putting green I headed to the start. The starter was friendly said I could play off the yellow or the white tees. I went for yellow, hit a good one off the tee, and was away. The course was in good condition and had the spectacular views already described in other reviews. As a compenent but for a course like this relatively poor golfer, I was surprised at the distance I could get off the tee: a good shot hitting the fairway would really roll, and this meant on many par 4s I could have a go at the green with a 5 or 7 iron on my second shot. I found the difficulty in the course to be the protection given to the greens - I found a lot of bunkers, some of which I ended up playing out of backwards; and also the speed of the greens, which for me made 2 putting difficult. I had a couple of disaster holes on the score card, but I did manage 3 pars! I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed but thrilling round. I doubt many courses of this calibre would be as welcoming to a golfer like me. The hotel was great, too. |
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| 08 April 2013
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| | Playing the Ailsa is always a pleasure but playing it with a couple of Canadian golf nuts that I meet up with every year when they visit GB&I was a real treat, even with rain lashing down around the lighthouse holes during our round the other day. The opening three holes are easily overlooked on this great links but I think they’re more than just a terrific “warm up” for the world class stretch of holes that toss and tumble along the coastline between the 4th and 10th – actually, I’d forgotten how much the land heaves around this part of the property, with playing corridors at holes 5, 7 and 8 flanked on either side by towering dunes. At the risk of repeating what I’ve alluded to before, “Maidens,” is a weak par three hole at the 11th (could the green not be moved further left, closer to the water’s edge?) and it instigates (for me, at least) a lull in proceedings that prevails through the next three par four holes. After that relative “breather,” golfers need to buckle up for the rough ride back to the clubhouse as a thrilling run for home begins on the 15th tee at “Ca’ Canny,” extends across the winding Wilson’s Burn at the brilliant 16th, continues along the switchback fairway of the par five 17th before ending - breathlessly - on the 18th green, scene of much heart stopping 72nd hole action in recent Open competitions. Turnberry is rightly regarded as one of the world’s finest resorts; just don’t expect to play any resort golf here as they only do golf of the championship variety. Jim McCann. |
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| 04 October 2012
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| | So which is the best links course in the world? There are many opinions, but after my recent trip to Scotland I will now firmly cast my vote for the Ailsa course. Between the views and the rhythmic feel to the layout as each hole seems to improve on its predecessor there is some magical and serene about this course. The start is innocent enough, a short but well bunkered open that challenges but not overwhelm the golfer. The real treat starts at 4, a difficult par three that begins a very difficult stretch along the ocean all the way through 11. For us these holes were into the wind and 5, 7, 8 9 and 10 were particularly tough. The par 3 six was 200 yards into the wind, and I brought out my old ping 1 iron which I had dusted off for the trip. My rifle shot to 20 feet was one of the most gratifying shots of my trip. The only disappointment was playing 18 from the straightaway rather than the dogleg tee, but otherwise this was a wonderful memorable day. The course had just finished hosting the senior open, and it was in magnificent condition. This was my 5th round on the Ailsa, but my first in 20 years. The additional bunkers have raised the difficulty of the layouts, and with the natural beauty of the property this is a treat not to be missed. Richard Smith. Knoxville, Tennessee USA |
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| 12 August 2012
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| Second visit to Ailsa and I was lucky to play it on a sunny 24°C so maybe it cannot be better. Last year in august climate was a little bit tougher, butnothing too bad.  the Course was in great shape as in some weeks it will be hosting the Senior Open Championship. what can I say new that I have not said in my previous review? It is of course astonishing playing the course on a day similar to those on the famous "Duel in the Sun". Regarding the course on of the things I really don't like is the lack of par 5s, as the only one is 17th. 7th hole, who plays as par 5 for pros should be played as well for amateurs, they shoud choose tees to make it like that, This year into a strong wind, I was not able to reach it 2 strokes. After having played almost all the best courses in Scotland, I believe Ailsa is not in my top 5: Carnoustie, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Muirfield are far better courses. I am not saying Ailsa is not a good course, just saying that I found better courses. Hotel is great and again Wildings is "the" place for a great dinner. |
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| 13 July 2012
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| | A truly great experience. I was at a conference and played it twice on two very windy days. The course was in great condition with only a few worn areas.
They are readying it for the seniors open. So luckily for me they had cut the championship tees so whilst I played off the whites I nipped back to the famous tee on the 9th and with a wind on my back drove it to ninety yards and made a par .... dream completed.
The course is breath taking in my opinion. They could not have used the coast or the dunes better. Even the first tee has the hills in the distance and is a fine links hole. it then builds and builds with the stunning holes in the middle. Perhaps there are only three holes which have little visual beauty, but normally a glance behind you restores that.
It is a master piece and a course that anyone with a reasonable handicap can get a feel of the strategic nature of the routing and bunkering. Wonderful. |
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| 17 May 2012
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| It’s difficult to add much new to the debate when reviewing this wonderful course such as mentioning its wonderful setting and scenery. When considering the course as a whole, most of the holes are excellent.  One of the few criticisms I can come up with is that holes such as the 3rd, and 14th are only ‘very good’ in comparison. The 18th also looks to be an even better hole when played as a dogleg as per Open Championship conditions. However, for mere mortals, playing before the height of summer means the course is great fun to play and one where a surprisingly good score can be made with an on-song short game due to the manageable green speed and relatively short rough. However, the course must play like a devil in the height of summer when it plays much firmer. Holding the green on holes like the 7th, 13th and 16th must be a real achievement in such conditions. Early in the season in April of 2011 the course was in fantastic condition and showing its teeth with a moderate breeze and pacy greens. An unforgettable experience. |
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| 12 December 2011
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| The very first impression you get when arriving to the Hotel is big Ailsa Craig watching you all the time, it´s great.  I wanted to stand at the back of 18 where Watson was not able to make up & down to win The Open Championship and there I saw how unfair this game can be: one of the best short games in history was not able to make it!!!!! I was lucky to play the course twice scoring 83-72 from the backest tees they allow you, finishing birdie-birdie the second round. The course gets everything you can look for in Scotland in one: challenge, views, design, excellent shape, variety in golf holes and more. The walk of 4 to tee 13th is maybe the nicest in the Land of Saltire. The only dissapointment is them making you play 7th as a par 4, as when you arrive you wish to play it as closer as the pros do. Hotel is the best and Wildings Restaurant a must visit during the night. Hope to be back!!!!! |
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| 06 October 2011
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| | The Ailsa course deserves its high rankings, in my opinion. We played on a bit of a difficult day, in and out of rain gear and the wind blowing at times to a two or three club strength - Scottish golf, in other words. I found no weak holes and most were stunning in their layout and beauty. I have always admired Muirfield and Carnoustie as outstanding courses, and the Ailsa course is their equal, if not a bit better. |
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| 15 September 2011
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| | I played here in Nov. 1998 and thought the course was excellent (was fortunate to play off the Tip tees). Pebble Beach is way better but this is still special. It is certainly overrated it is not #1 in Scotland nor even top 10 in the world. Here is my question, if the course was excellent back then why did they triple the bunker population for the last Open? This course may host the Open one week every 10 years and yet the public play it everyday... More bunkers doesn't better a course it only slows down play and says to me you don't believe in the product you have in hand (Carnoustie 1999, Wentworth 2010...?). "Tiger Proofing" courses is what is driving golfers away from the game not making them flock to it. It would be nice if Turnberry hosted some open amateur fixtures. |
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| 26 July 2011
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| Response: | | | tim | 18 August 2011 | | You played the course almost 13 years ago!!! And offer an opinion on what you think it might be like now!!! Amazing. I played the course a month ago in my opinion is THE best course in the UK. Simple. | | | colin | 18 November 2011 | | American by any chance? Golfers like you keep people away from the game! |
| | | Championship venue. Nothing more needs to be said about this stunning lay out except it is a must play. Downside to Turnberry is that it is corporate and that detracts from the overall non-existent club experience. |
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| 24 July 2011
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| | Turnberry is indeed a classy course but I feel it is only just worthy of a 6 ball rating. I do not agree that it is the best in Scotland, 2nd in the UK or 5th in the world. Firstly the condition was pretty scrappy. The greens, although true, were patchy and slightly uneasy on the eye. Some of the rough was untidy and in comparison to the immaculate Royal Troon which we played the day before, Turnberry did not compare favourably. Secondly, I found the card of the course quite bizzare. Off whites, it is a 6700 yard par 69 and there is no par 5 until the 17th. The front 9 contains two sets of VERY similar holes (4 & 6 are almost identical, as are 5,7 &8) although t should be said that these are all very good holes (particularly the 5th). The signature 9th is only truly spectacular from the Championship tees (which are not in play). The back 9 is hard to fault with 15th, 16th and 17th being particular standouts. Dissapointingly, the 18th from the whites is nothing like the hole that the pros play (its completely straight compared to the 90deg dogleg from the championship tees). In summary, no one will be surprised to hear that this is a great golf course, but for me there are several better in Scotland and I find the condition quite inexcusable given the amount of green fee revenue that they recieve. |
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| 04 May 2011
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| Response: | | | Al | 05 May 2011 | | Interesting the way you rated the greens saying they were true but looked patchy i was under the impression on links courses especially looks came second and performance first, this as far as im concerned even paying a premium price for a top end links course is the way it should be.I fear for GB&Is Links courses because more & more peoples perception of a great golf course involves perfect looking turf Which can be a million miles of perfect playing turf! | | | Alan | 06 May 2011 | | The rough is untidy! The clue is the name - rough..... | | | Brendan | 24 November 2011 | | Al/Alan - would you two happen to be green keepers on the course? The man is entitled to his opinion... |
| | Everthing about this venue is first class, from the 5 star service and opulence of the hotel over looking the course, to the luxurious clubhouse and the top quality practice facilities. It is easy to see why this is on the Open rota, the only surprise being it’s only hosted the event four times. Our fourball set out just before noon on a Sunday, with not a sinner behind us which although surprising for a decent late February day, meant we could take our time, savour and enjoy.
The course is punctuated with several strategically placed, deep riveted bunkers on each hole, which, at all cost must be avoided to score well. You really do have to take your medicine and just get out whichever way you can, backwards being best option for me on a couple of occasions. The Ailsa is a far more undulating course than it appears on TV, offering some great views along the coast and pleasing elevated drives at the Par 4 fifth, seventh, eighth and tenth in particular. The ninth tee is rightly the moment to pause, soak up the view and get a photo. It is also the start of the run of three holes most exposed to the wind. Nine, although the only bunkerless hole on the course proved to be probably the most difficult for us with very fresh cross wind.
Throughout the round, none of the holes seemed the same and even the holes playing straight into the wind didn’t come across as a slog – always a good sign of well designed, quality layout. The very names of the holes - Tappie Toorie, Roon The Ben’ and Tickly Tap, evoke childhood memories of watching Pro Celebrity Golf or was it Around with Alliss? All adding to the allure of the place. Particular favourite holes of mine, being 5,10, 16 and 17.
The only criticism I would have of the Ailsa is that from the Trophy tees, which we were playing from, there is no Par 5 to get your teeth into until the 17th. Although, my playing partners and I all agreed it was an absolute belter!! The club has very much a feel of being a resort course rather than a private members club, which makes for a very welcoming atmosphere to the visitor. The complimentary bucket of range balls and the wee gift bag presented on the first tee are a lovely touch and any course looking to charge a three figure green fee should take note of this. Turnberry rightly enjoys a place at the very top of the course rankings. It has everything – top quality facilities, layout, conditioning, scenery and visitor experience. A must for any true golf enthusiast. |
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| 07 March 2011
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| | We played the Ailsa at the end of a 3 day break and with all of the expectation our group had it would have been very easy for this to have been a let down but Turnberry lived up to the expectation in everyway. It was a clear friday afternoon and the drive down the coast gave us a few glimpses of the iconic lighthouse and got the heart going! When we arrived in the clubhouse we were given our lockers for the afternoon and pointed to the practice range for a warm up. After loosening up it was off to the first tee with hopes of not thinning the first one into the gorse!! I managed to avoid that and we set off with a blustery wind toughening up the course for the first 10 holes. I cant really add much to what has been written about this course, but it was everything I had hoped for and much much more. Played as well as I could have despite being a bit of a links novice and this was highlighted when a few drives which were supposed to be up the middle were thrown into the deep stuff. I learned my lesson and managed to get round to handicap. Each hole was tough but fair, giving you a chance but anything wild was severely punished. Its so hard to concentrate on playing to the best of your ability whe you are constantly admiring the surroundings, the hotel on the hill, the rugged coastline and the islands kept my head turning despite growing up just up the road in kilmarnock.
All 4 of our group agreed that it was the best course we have ever played (or are likely to) and for me three events made this day perfect. A low flying bomber gave us a fly by about 100 feet above our heads on the first green. Chipping in for a birdie 2 on the par 3 maidens and finally on the 18th after finding the fairway I hit a full wedge which landed on the green, almost held on and just trickled over the back. I found myself in the same position as Mr Watson had the previous year. I only managed a 5 but to be honest thats not bad considering the company I am in! |
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| 26 September 2010
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| | hard to fault in anyway. played on a glorious, windless day and still shot 11 over handicap (7) !
Too many great holes to mention them all, but have now played 50 of the top 100 uk courses and this was the best for me..
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| 07 September 2010
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| | I was playing last week in Ailsa course and I just can say one thing about it: AMAZING!!!
Design, fairways, tees, staff treated, practice area, scenery, greens, putting green, clubhouse, etc... Everything perfect!!
The views from the pro´s tees must not missed. |
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| 26 August 2010
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| | Simply Brilliant. Course is tough but fair and having read the reviews on how good holes 4 to 10 are I can only echo this. The scenery is second to none and the facilities are outstanding. The finish does not get the credit it deserves either, 15- a great par 3, 16- a very tough par 4, 17- a great birdie chance at 18 - a great finish in front of the clubhouse and over looked by the hotel. Better than Carnoustie, RCD, St Andrews and Birkdale. Awesome |
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| 09 August 2010
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| | Played the course in mid-June for the 90 pound twilight special (a great deal). A beautiful course, but poor greens. I also had 2 hard-pan lies in the fairways. The greens (and turf) at neighboring Girvan were better. Was treated very well by the fine staff--but this world class course deserved better greenskeeping. |
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| 12 July 2010
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| | A scorching- hot june day with a stiff southerly breeze saw me teeing up with an iron on the 1st, as I was determined to avoid the 150+ bunkers on the revised Ailsa Course, (I only visited one). The starter was courteous and helpful as he wished me a good round. I scored well, and was delighted to par the lovely short 4th by the Firth of Clyde. The subsequent holes did not disappoint, and I revelled in the beauty from the 9th and 10th holes. Surely there is noe a better golf view in the world! The fairways were running fast, and along with the warm air this carried my ball further than usual. I was able to make birdie on the difficult 16th hole from a tricky approach shot across the green-hugging burn.By now I didn't want the round to end, and I thought of Tom Watson, and all that he achieved as I putted out on the 18th.This is my type of course - much preferable to the parkland where I usually play. I can safely say that The Ailsa is the greatest course I have ever played, and it was a privelege to be out on the Ailsa Course on a day like this. It really was dream come true! |
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| 03 July 2010
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| | Turnberry is an exceptionally beautiful golf course and one that I have enjoyed playing a number of times back in 2001 - 2002. However, having played it again about 3 weeks ago I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed - sure it is still gorgeous with lovely holes - but - the greens were very poor, tee boxes iffy and for a course to be ranked No 1 in GB & I ( I have played every Top 100 course) to have only one par 5 - umm- not sure that stacks up .. just about No 10 in my humble opinion. Still I would give Turnberry a 5 ball rating.
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| 28 June 2010
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| | Played the Ailsa twice last week. All my three visits to Turnberry have been in good weather - how lucky! The Ailsa's greens were not perfect (the practice putting green was terrible) but they were true and were probably still suffering from being cut so short during the Open last year. The Ailsa ranks alongside Birkdale as my favourite courses. The Ailsa is tough (without being silly), is great fun (even though there is only one par 5) and has surely the best views of any golf course in the world. Our group (4 single figure handicaps) struggled to get the ball out of the bunkers - some of them are nigh on impossible (I will never understand how Westwood reached the green from the bunker on 18). I can't wait to visit Turnberry again (even though it is scarily expensive). |
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| 08 June 2010
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| | having secured a deal with the hotel for an overnight bed and breakfast ,we woke up to a sunny May morning went down to which must be the best breakfast room in golf, overlooking the Ailsa course, you could sit there all day looking out at this wonderful course .So off to the first tee and you just get a sense of a magical day ahead and i can assure you ,it wont let you down,once you ease into the first 3 holes you come to the 4th next to the sea and this stretch of holes really are second to none, superb par 3,s ,wondreful par 4,s its just great,no matter what the price is you must play this course, it does not get better.If you plan to eat and drink in the hotel ,take plenty cash it is very expensive ,but then again, it is a one off |
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| 03 June 2010
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| | A round around Turnberry has surely got to be one of the greatest Christmas presents ever. I played this course along with my eager companion on 27th December 2009, when the rest of the UK was literally entombed within the vortex of the so called’ big freeze’.
Due to ground frost I had previously experienced (13/12/09) the crushing disappointment of a cancelled round. On that occasion the starter sympathetically informed me that I was particular unlucky as the course is very rarely closed for the entire day.
I awoke on the 27th December, deflated with pessimism and extremely sceptical that any balls would be struck that day. As we travelled down the M77 from Glasgow, passing the fenick moors, the snow must have been 6 ft deep for as far as the eye could see. The white magical winter wonderland was only compounding my increasing negativity. Every inch of visible land was covered with snow.
As we climbed the hill leading to Turnberry, the imposing Aisla Island burst into vision. As the snow abated around us goosebumps broke out all over my body. There wasn’t an inch of snow to be seen within Turnberry itself. Clearly and act of God rewarding us for our dedicated pilgrimage.
It became clear that we would soon be playing the legendary course and we celebrated by playing the BBC golf theme as we continued our approach.
After a brief tour of the club house, hotel, short game area and museum I was left imagining what it would be like to be a member at this temple of golf.
We were directed to the first tee. My heart was beating hard and adrenaline was pumping through every vein in my body. I could not believe I was about to live out a boyhood fantasy.
I see little point explaining or describing the course. It speaks for itself. All I can say is it is a surreal experience. It passes by in a dream like fashion and before you know it one is at the 9th Tee facing arguably one of the most famous Tee shots in golf. Time after time I glanced at my colleague who was wearing the broadest, most genuine smile I had seen in years.
I compare the feeling to seeing your favourite rock band when one is young. They are not real people but superbeings. Turnberry isn’t a real place but somewhere where you are temporarily transported to where nothing else matters or exists.
It is simply magical.
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| 02 June 2010
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| Response: | | | graham | 26 February 2012 | | Could not agree more with your comments, Our round seemed to last moments only but will be remembered forever, A very special place in the world |
| | | The best course I have ever played! I played the Ailsa in September 2009. It is just an outstanding course and the holes 9-10 as well as 15-17 are magnificient! The course was in great shape and the staff was very nice and helpful. I will be back soon! |
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| 09 February 2010
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| | I have been fortunate enough to play both the Kintyre and Ailsa twice now, and would love to return. Even off the whites you are conscious that a greater challenge lurks behind you, but the course is very challenging but great fun too - all handicap players can get round here in some fashion or other, which is very different from some other championship links courses. Excellent practice facilities as well - arrive early and head to the putting green and short game area ! Next time will nip down to the championship Lighthouse tee ! |
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| 21 January 2010
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| | Played in mid October - can't say enough good things about this course, I loved it.
Sun was shining and not a breath of wind coupled with the superb condition of the course made for a fantastic days golf.
Highlights were obviously the stretch of holes from 8 to 11 and a birdie at the 13th helped!!!
Wish I could play this course everyday, I'm sure I will be back there sooner rather than later. |
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| 02 November 2009
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| | Standing in Turnberry Hotel looking down on this amazing piece of links land is a most incredible sight, with Ailsa Craig dominating the skyline. Sadly for me, I should have stayed in the bar because my game just wasn't up to the great challenge of Ailsa that day. It is magnificent. Bunkers are incredible well placed, grabbing most of my drives. In most cases, approach shots are in the 180-2000 yard range. I will never know how Tom Watson managed it so well this year from the back tees. What a man! The coastal stretch from 4th to 11th holes is to die for. Wow. |
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| 20 October 2009
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| | Stunning views, and a lovely place to play golf. Some great holes. However for me this is not the best links golf course, and if you factor in the cost of £200+ you can play better links golf at a fraction f the cost. |
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| 26 September 2009
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| Response: | | | max | 03 June 2010 | | Could you please tell us where you can play better links golf at a fraction of the price?! Many thanks | | | Ally McIntosh | 09 June 2010 | | Max, Turnberry is a great golf course, no doubt about it. But I think the reviewer is correct in stating that it has some wonderful holes, implying also that it possibly does not stack up over the full eighteen. For some people it's the best golf course in Britain and Ireland. But for many it is not and personally, I would agree that there is better golf for a fraction of the price. His four ball review is unfair though. Although it has a subconsious impact, cost shouldn't come in to how good the course is. |
| | | I’ve made mention before that top tracks like Turnberry should be promoting reduced green fee packages for early bird/twilight golf so when just such a late afternoon offer (42% of normal price) came my way by email recently, I just had to snap it up. Ailsa is all and more than you see on the television, even when the rain is teeming down, as it did for most of the front nine when I played. If I’m being churlish, the four holes from the short par three 11th to the 14th are not great but what has gone before and what comes after more than makes up for that relative lull in the round. The changes to holes 16 and 18, introducing offset fairways to the tee boxes, make for a better finish than before and, as if on cue, the sun popped out from behind the clouds for the first time as I clinched my matchplay game 1 UP with a four in front of the (still to be dismantled) grandstands on either side of the home hole – if only the golfing gods had been so kind to a certain Thomas Sturges Watson 23 days before when he played his 72nd hole at the 2009 Open… Jim McCann |
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| 13 August 2009
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| | Scenery is reminiscent of Pebble. Good strong links course amongst the inspiring views. Excellent dune formations guide the paths of the holes very well. |
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| 30 December 2008
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| Response: | | | Emil Weber | 13 January 2009 | | Well, I totally agree with your review, Turnberry is certainly one of the very best courses in the world. But please, Pebble's scenery is reminiscent to Turnberry's and not Turnberry's to Pebble'S!! | | | moreski | 20 July 2009 | | Agree entirely - this is not our Pebble Beach, this is our Turnberry.
Hard to imagine a finer links course. |
| | | Played in Aug. 2008. First hole into a driving rain and then 17 holes of progressive beautiful sunshine. The talk of the 4th-11th along the sea is worth it. Beautiful and challenging holes. |
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| 05 December 2008
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| | A wonderful golfing experience staying at one of the "lodges" which are in fact large detached houses with 7 other golfing pals-Each of us having our own en-suite rooms and a wonderful communial dining/kitchen area-with stunning breakfast in the hotel -great service-liked the nice touch of champers for Bucks fizz and vodka for Bloody Marys-We played both Kintyre and Ailsa courses on consecutive days both are incredible but took a heavy tole on the scorecards!-makes you realise just how good the pros are-sub 70 rounds on either of these two tracks is mind boggling to a mid handicapper like me-having said that it was playable-just best to enjoy it and forget the score for one day-Experience was only marred on day two by an idiotic course marshall in a noddy buggy repeatadly coming to tell us to hurry up even though our 4 ball were up to the 3 ball in front and had short waits on some tees-What was he on about?-None the less 5 star all the way |
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| 23 November 2008
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| | Played the Ailsa yesterday in glorious conditions - blue sky with fresh breeze. Was looking forward to playing the Ailsa for a long time - and was not let down as I have been when playing other courses with a big reputation. Quite simply, I fail to see how you can find a better course than this - the scenery, the quality of the holes, the challenge - it just cannot be bettered. Probably the best golfing day of my life, I will be back for sure. Oh, and the Kintyre was very good too - a few poor holes, but some very good ones too. |
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| 12 October 2008
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| Response: | | | Cedric | 13 October 2008 | | Which other courses with a big reputation were you disappointed with? | | | leather wedge | 13 October 2008 | | Woodhall Spa, Silloth and Saunton East (preferred the West)are the ones that come to mind - good courses but perhaps my fault fr expecting too much after reading all the good reviews! I have been wanting to play the Ailsa for years and thankfully it did not disappoint. | | | PR | 15 October 2008 | | Agree with Leather Wedge about Silloth - I think I was expecting far too much before playing there! Woodhall and Saunton East are undisputably class courses though. | | | Cedric | 17 October 2008 | | I personaly loved Silloth but in no way can you compare it with the Aisla! These 2 courses are in a different class!On the other hand, I don't know of any other links course that is so cheap for the quality you get. But again it can't be compared with the likes of the Ailsa, Birkdale, Hillside, etc... | | | John Dera | 10 April 2009 | | I agree with Cedric Silloth is a wonderful course full of character and charm there are some briliant holes on the course. Do not forget the modest green fee as well. Among my favorite courses in the UK. | | | dan | 23 July 2009 | | Had a fantastic time at Turnberry a couple of years ago doing the same trip as a more recent reviewer - brilliant deal to play both courses and stay the night. Turnberry is a world famous hotel and course complex with prices to match. Silloth is difficult to get to, difficult to play, frankly cheap, very friendly club and a quirky traditional links. Cannot be compared and please don't ! |
| | | I have played both the Kintyre and Ailsa twice, and thoroughly enjoyed both on both occasions - often the "junior" course is a let down, but not in this case. In terms of value you can get excellent stay and play deals to stay in one of the on site houses and play both courses and glory in the Turnberry Breakfast... Anyway, to the golf - Ailsa is an intriguing course with a couple of quiet holes to start, then things get interesting. Very witty starter, and once you hit the seaside it is fantastic. A couple of holes in the middle of the back nine are a little bland, but a great finish. And a great dormie house too. Can't wait to go back. |
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| 11 September 2008
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| | Great location to play golf. The Ailsa is a very fair and true test of your ability. Greens are true if not slightly quick ! Fantastic experience and one to be repeated. If you want a decent score make sure you are long and accurate off the tee and you will be fine. |
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| 02 June 2008
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| | As a Scottish expat living in Dubai the very idea of using my holiday to go back home on a Scottish Golf trip took some time to get used to. During the 5 days, we played the New and Old courses at St. Andrews, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, the Kings at GlenEagles, Prestwick and finally Turnberry! Although all of these courses were special in their own way, the Ailsa course at Turnberry is without a doubt the best best Golf Course I have ever played and probably the best in the world!!! |
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| 21 May 2008
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| | Four of us played this course recently (2 from US, 2 from UK) and were unanimous in our opinion that this is simply the best course we had collectively set foot on. The beauty of the holes by the sea is unparalleled and the entire layout is very natural as oppossed to some US courses by the shores. It was a sunny day but he wind was formidable, still the course was very playable and the holes provided good challenge. I won't go into details on the holes as they are described elsewhere but the clubhouse was very good with the staff very friendly as well. If you are heading to Scotland to play, forget St Andrews, forget Muirfield and forget all the resort courses... if you haven't played Turnberry, you haven't played the best course in Scotland, and probably the world. |
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| 27 September 2007
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| Response: | | | Cedric | 27 September 2007 | | Really agree with you about the Ailsa....But forgetting about Muirfield? You must be kidding!!! | | | Jesper aspegren | 18 October 2007 | | I´ve just played the Ailsa twice this week. Undoubtly the best course I´ve ever set foot on. I´ve played golf for almost half a decade and I must say that this course turned a player with some experience into a pathetic beginner.
Fantastic.
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| | | Played it for the second time and was more impressed than the first time, when I fell in love with it. Can't wait for the Open to return. |
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| 05 September 2007
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| | I played Ailsa and Kintyre on a very chilly, overcast and windy day in late March 2007. It was difficult to focus on playing my rounds due to the scenic distraction of the lighthouse and Ailsa Craig and visions of Nicklaus, Watson, Price and Norman running through my head. I was the first one out on Ailsa in the morning and it was interesting to see the architect’s reps out on the course consulting with the workers who are in the process of adding numerous new bunkers and a few tee boxes to make this tough course even tougher and longer for the 2009 Open Championship. The fairways on No.s 16 & 17 are being refurbished. No16 which is normally a 400+ yard par 4 is temporarily set up as a 120 yard par 3 with a temporary tee just in front of the famous elevated false fronted green that slopes down toward a burn. Of course with the workers watching, I hit my shot short and it rolled back down into the burn. I enjoyed the entire course, but the heart of this links is the stretch from # 4 to #12 which includes the beautiful holes along the water. |
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| 06 April 2007
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| | played ailsa course on april 1st in sunny windy conditions. This course has everything......paradise. this place is better than Royal County Down |
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| 05 April 2007
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| | Played this course on 2nd Feb with three other trumpets. What a course - first 6 holes are good but the mid stretch from say 8 thro 14 are awesome. Weather was blue skies & no wind which is unheard of at this time of the year. Best course I have played on ahead of Loch Lomond. 80 bucks is steep but worth it however my 7 well earned bucks going on a sausage and egg roll was physical assault. |
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| 05 February 2007
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| Response: | | | Dick | 08 August 2007 | | Do they have choice of tee boxes? If so what yardage did you play? How did you play for $80?
thanks |
| | | This isn't Scotlands Pebble Beach! Pebble Beach is America's Turnberry! Simply put, this is all in all the purest most amazing place to play golf in the World. The surroundings, the hotel, the history, the sea, the views, and oh the course... Just ooooooze everything most of us play the game for. Standing on the 9th tee from the backs you cannot help but be reminded of the Watson Quote "Turnberry is as close to Heaven on Earth as we golfers get". |
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| 10 January 2007
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| | I have played this course numerouse times over the past three years. It is one of the greatest golfing experiences in my life.
I love the courses, the resort, the people and the food. I can't wait for a return visit. |
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| 08 January 2007
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| | Awesome track with awesome views!!! One of those courses that stick in your mind for several years. Second in Scotland behind Royal Dornoch and not quite as good as Royal County Down. Better than Troon, Muirfield, Old Course and Kingsbarns. |
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| 06 January 2007
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| | i also played in october 2006 & was incredibly lucky to get a sunny weekend..quite simply the best links course in the world.....you name it it beats it...definately one to check of the list...planning on doing prestwick, royal troon & turnberry next year over a long weekend...st andrews? wheres that?? |
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| 22 December 2006
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| Response: | | | Jim McCann | 22 December 2006 | | Don't forget Western Gailes and Turnberry Kintyre if you get the chance to play them too. Prestwick is an acquired taste for some and for others, Troon only comes to life at half a dozen holes played around the turn. I'll be interested to read your reviews next year! |
| | | Played in October 2006 and was incredibly lucky with the weather. The course is great – an okay start and then it just gets better and better. Can’t wait to go back again. |
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| 19 October 2006
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| | Didn’t have the greatest weather as it rained the whole time but had a great time anyway. Great layout and very challenging course. The starter gives you a cute little pocket with tees and a stroke saver. That sounds like a minimum when you pay 150 quids for your round but few top courses actually do it so always good to give them credit for that. I can just imagine how it is to play there under the sun with the views that I almost completely missed!!! Strange layout as it is a par 69 from the back tees, but still over 6500 yds!! You’d better be long enough or you won’t see any of the greens on the numerous par 4s until your third shot. Rough in very penalising. Fantastic clubhouse. I would definitely return!!! |
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| 05 September 2006
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| | Turnberry epitomizes what I expected links golf to be on my first trip to GB. Having been several times now, it is still the one course that I tell everyone to make sure and schedule. The whole experience is virtually perfect. Beautiful vistas, first class resort, and a wonderful collection of holes with a marvelous history. This may be the one links course I would choose to play if limited to only one the rest of my life. There are more difficult courses, some with more prestige, and some with more historical significance, but taken as a whole package, Turnberry may be Best in Class in the Overall category. Classic course. |
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| 11 May 2006
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| | Played the delightful Ailsa course at the beginning of April after a long cold winter and the course was looking a bit tired, especially the fairways... balls tend to gather in little hollows and that's where the trouble starts. However, looking through the tired condition, there is no doubt that the Ailsa is a truly world-class course and it will remain etched in my memories forever... I loved it even though my golf game had deserted me that day. Wonderful experience. |
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| 23 April 2006
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| | One of the truly best courses around, if you can get anywhere near your handicap then hats off to you. First four holes are not too difficult but from the 5th you have got to be playing at your very best. From the 5th to the 10th only the very best golfers will survive; there are 5 x 400+ par 4’s and a 220-yard par 3 on this stretch. Advice is to enjoy the views, enjoy a beer in the hut after the 9th and don’t beat yourself up about your front nine score. Moving off of the coast for most of the back 9 helps with scoring but still nothing can be described as easy. Turnberry is a classic course (looking a tad worn in places though), with my favourite holes being 5th, 9th, 16th and 17th. |
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| 15 April 2006
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| | Ran more as a resort than a golf course and the condition of the Ailsa course showed itself to in pretty poor condition at the start of April with fairways absolutely covered in divot marks (with little sign of repair being carried out - did see them working on one hole but every fairway was suffering) and greens were ok but not good enough for course of this stature. The course itself is excellent - up there with the best I've ever played with some majestic holes both by the coast and in land. It would be great if they could take a couple of the coastal holes from the Kintyre course to make those magic holes around the turn last a bit longer but it doesn't detract from some great golf. Clubhouse facilities are great but the bar food and drink is very expensive for what it is. That said the double brandy at the halfway hut improved my game no end and was well worth £4. |
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| 11 April 2006
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