Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is shutting down for the winter to get a £1 million facelift by Martin Ebert.
Back in 2015, Ebert revamped the course, turning the par-4 9th into a stunning par 3 along the coast and lighthouse, which now serves as a halfway hut. He also created the King Robert the Bruce layout from what used to be the Kintyre course.
This time, Ebert’s focus is on tweaking holes 7 and 8, with some other improvements sprinkled around.
Course Changes Ahead:
The biggest change will happen at hole 7, where its green will move about 50 yards closer to the ocean. Hole 8 will have its tee boxes shifted next to the new green of hole 7 for better views and an enhanced approach towards the lighthouse. Fans might think these changes make it even more exciting to play there.
Bunkers on hole 8 are getting a makeover too; one sand trap on the right side of the fairway will be filled in and replaced with another hazard on the left.
The Ailsa Course plans to welcome players again in April 2025. Ebert said that when they first redesigned Turnberry, they improved what was already great and made it even better. Now, with these updates, playing towards the beach should be thrilling!
Nic Oldham from Trump Turnberry mentioned their motto: “never settle.” They believe there’s always room for improvement, even at one of golf’s top courses. The goal is to keep up high standards so they can host major events like The Open someday.
Turnberry last hosted The Open in 2009 when Stewart Cink won against Tom Watson in a playoff. It’s famous for past battles like Jack Nicklaus vs Tom Watson in ’77 and Greg Norman’s victory in ’86.
Do you think these changes will bring The Open back?
