Ailsa, Turnberry
Course Info
- Course Class
- Championship
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 70
- Yards
- 6984
- Course Type
- Links
Course Description
Ailsa TurnberryDescription:
Being the most scenic Open Championship course and located in the vicinity of the Firth of Clyde, with superb views across the Isle of Arran, Ailsa is an unusual course, because there aren’t dunes protecting the holes close to the sea.
If you want to play on the youngest of Scotland’s Open Championship venues, there are few feelings in the golf world to match those experienced at the first tee on the magnificent Ailsa.
The golf course layout received a makeover in advance of the 2009 British Open which it hosted, including 19 new bunkers and added length. The Championship course measured 7,211 yards for the 2009 event, compared to 6,957 when Nick Price won at Turnberry in 1994.
Signature Hole – 9th "Bruce’s Castle"
The 9th hole named Bruce’s Castle, is the course signature hole, Turnberry’s trademark and probably one of the most photographed holes in the golf, with the tee looking over the Bay and the famous Turnberry lighthouse.
History
Turnberry is the most recent Open Championship venue but by no means is overshadowed by its rivals. The first event was played over the Ailsa Course in 1977, the famous "Duel in the Sun" between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
The first design was laid out by Willie Fernie in 1903 and three years later it was the first hotel and golf complex in the world with the wealthy travelling down by train from Glasgow to visit. It staged its first Open in 1977 and in 2009 was host when veteran Tom Watson almost snatched the Claret Jug eventually won by Stewart Cink.
Testimonial
"I believe that Turnberry offers some of the best links golf in the world."
Colin Montgomerie, OBE
