Turnberry Resort - The Ailsa Championship Golf Course
Long regarded as one of the finest courses in the world, the Ailsa came to international prominence with the famous duel between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson over the four days of the 1977 Open. It was then, in brilliant sunny weather, that a capacity crowd was treated to an exhilarating display of golf from two of the best golfers the world has ever known.
Scene of some of the most memorable moments in Open history, the Ailsa Championship course is a legend in the world game. Watson, Norman, Price; they've all won The Claret Jug, golf's most coveted trophy here on the Turnberry links. Stewart Cink joined this exclusive list in 2009, but only after a four-hole play off with the 59 year old Tom Watson.
Its first three holes pose a fairly tough opening, particularly when the wind blows from the direction of its namesake, the brooding isle of Ailsa Craig, 11 miles out to sea. From the 4th hole to the 11th, the coastal scenery is magnificent and the course is demanding. Commanding a passage of stout hitting throughout, the 5th to the 8th holes are framed by sandy hillocks, while the 9th, 10th and 11th are flanked by craggy rocks.
On its stony ridge on the edge of the sea, the 9th hole is Turnberry’s trademark. The landmark lighthouse casts shadows over the 13th-century ruins of Bruce’s Castle, the reputed birthplace of Scotland’s hero king Robert the Bruce, and the narrow path to the tee and the drive across the corner of the bay fill players with trepidation.
The back nine, like the front nine, require both cleverness and control. The steep incline of the plateau green on the 13th hole, Tickly Tap, makes one of the largest putting surfaces on the course look rather small. Likewise, the subtle contours of the 17th hole, Lang Whang, slightly obstruct each shot — also characteristic of the trickery of Turnberry. On the 18th, with the red-roofed hotel in sight to distract, gorse running down the right side and small dunes peeking up just enough to block your view of the landing zone, finding the fairway is even more difficult.
The scenic glories of the Ailsa Course are to be savoured - the granite dome of Ailsa Craig, the low form of the tip of Argyll and the peaks of Arran highlighting the changing patterns of light and shade. Closer at hand, the lighthouse, and the ninth's lovely back tee are other symbols of Turnberry, the hole's title adding an historic echo.
To take your golf break a stage further, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Recommended Itinerary
2 nights accommodation at the Turnberry Resort playing 3 rounds on the Ailsa and Kintyre courses:
