
Ailsa Course
Trump Turnberry Resort

About this course
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.
Rankings
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
Best in UK
Best in Scotland
Quick facts
- Location
- Turnberry, South Ayrshire, Scotland
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1946
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Mackenzie Ross
- Par
- 69
- Length
- 7,489 yards
- Difficulty
- 77/139
- Course Vaults score
- 9.5
Getting there
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
Common questions about Ailsa at Trump Turnberry Resort
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 161 logged golfers.
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.







