TRUMP TURNBERRY RESORT
🏴 Turnberry, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Designed by Mackenzie Ross

Ailsa at Trump Turnberry stands as a monument to championship golf, a links canvas steeped in Open Championship history and bracing Ayrshire winds. The Ailsa's terrain is defined by dramatic coastal dunes and undulating fairways, a classic links layout where the strategic placement of pot bunkers dictates bold shot-making and rewards creative recovery. Here, the golfer contends with the elements as much as the challenge of the course itself. It doesn't necessarily favor any particular shot shape, it is more of a challenge in reading the lies, the wind, the ground, and then executing a shot from a difficult lie. It's where skill and strategy blend into a true art form.
Originally crafted by James Braid in 1902, the Ailsa has been sculpted and refined over the years, most notably with significant enhancements by Martin Ebert. These renovations have honored Braid's original vision while adapting the course to the demands of the modern game, ensuring Ailsa remains both a compelling test and a visually stunning experience.
Turnberry's Ailsa has hosted four unforgettable Open Championships, witnessing some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Most recently, in 2009, Tom Watson's near-historic bid captivated the world, etching the Ailsa's name deeper into golfing lore. The course remains a stalwart on the world stage.
Beyond the championship pedigree, Ailsa is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant club atmosphere. Ailsa also boasts a rather popular snack that has been passed down for generations of golfers, the "Turnberry Tattie Scone." It's the perfect snack to enjoy while relaxing after playing a tough round on the course.
Reviews
Excellent but i played it was before it became a Trump course
Most beautiful course on earth. A few of the walks and the halfway house are easily the prettiest views I’ve ever seen on a golf course
Truly overrated. Course was not all that impressive. I can respect it for what it is, however, I did not enjoy my round out there. Really beautiful stretch along the coast but the course just kind of kicks you in the nuts the entire was around. Ultimately a tourist trap at this point. Some goofy holes. Historic course has been ruined by Trump. Kind of takes away from what I love about Scottish hospitality. Feels boujee and you just feel like a dollar sign rather than a welcome guest. One of the worst experiences on my trip. The little pitch and putt course was also shitty and in awful condition which surprised me. Food was good though.
I get why this is ranked so highly, and why so many people love it. I can very much respect the course for what it is, it just wasn’t my personal favorite.
If you ever have the chance this is an absolute must stop
My favorite Trump course, played it with my dad on a 45mph day which made it challenging, hotel was fabulous to stay at and the pitch n putt course is loads of fun with some drinks in hand.
Need the open back here
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Ailsa at Trump Turnberry Resort has a Course Vaults score of 9.5 out of 10 based on 95 explicit golfer ratings.
Ailsa was designed by Mackenzie Ross.
Yes. Ailsa at Trump Turnberry Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Ailsa is 69.
Ailsa plays 7,489 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Ailsa is 139.