Ailsa Course
Turnberry, South Ayrshire, Scotland

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.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Public: #4
Best in UK
Public: #2
Best in Scotland
Public: #2
Golfers say this course earns its high reputation, with most praising its quality and considering it an absolute must-play destination. Reviewers note the on-site hotel provides fabulous accommodations, and the accompanying pitch-and-putt course offers fun supplementary entertainment. Some find the layout can play especially challenging in windy conditions, with one round in 45mph gusts proving memorable. Though most express strong enthusiasm for the experience, at least one golfer acknowledges respecting the course's merits while finding it didn't quite match personal preferences.
9.5
156 players
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
Public courses closest to Ailsa at Trump Turnberry Resort.
Most arrivals to Trump Turnberry Resort begin at Glasgow International Airport, roughly an hour's drive southwest along the Ayrshire coast, though Glasgow Prestwick - Scotland's original transatlantic gateway - sits even closer for those seeking a quieter descent. The route traces the edge of the Firth of Clyde, where rolling farmland gives way to dramatic coastal vistas and the silhouette of Ailsa Craig rising from the sea. As the road narrows and the salt air sharpens, the resort's iconic white lighthouse and sprawling clifftop grounds emerge above the links - a storied sentinel on one of golf's most theatrical stretches of Scottish shoreline.

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 100 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.