Revamped holes add new drama to historic links layout
Golfers are once again teeing off at Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa course, as the celebrated Scottish links reopened on June 1 following an extensive renovation. This marks the return of one of golf’s most iconic coastal courses, now featuring newly redesigned seventh and eighth holes that take full advantage of Turnberry’s dramatic seaside setting.
The course had been closed since October while architect Martin Ebert, who previously led a major overhaul in 2015, implemented further changes aimed at enhancing the layout’s strategic play and scenic appeal. The £1 million refurbishment includes several updates, but the most eye-catching are those to holes seven and eight.
New Greenside Drama on the Seventh
The par-5 seventh hole now features a green relocated roughly 50 yards closer to the rugged coastline. The new location sits directly on the cliff edge, offering players a striking and potentially treacherous finish to the hole — and one of the most visually arresting putting surfaces in the UK.
Ebert explained the thinking behind the change: “We wanted to make the most of Turnberry’s stunning location by moving the green right to the coastal edge. There aren’t many links courses with greens this close to the sea — so that is very special.”
Smoother Sightlines on the Eighth
The adjacent eighth hole, a par 4, has also been reimagined. New tee boxes shift the starting position to straighten the fairway, eliminating what had previously been a blind approach shot. A bunker repositioned to the left of the fairway further complements the hole’s cleaner, more intuitive design.
“The tee shot will be far improved with the new alignment,” Ebert added, “making the hole visually stunning from your first shot to your last.”
Other changes around the Ailsa include new banking behind the 12th and 15th greens, modifications to the 13th, and updated tee boxes on holes 14 and 17. The updates are intended to subtly elevate the overall playing experience without straying from the course’s traditional character.
More Than Just the Ailsa
While the Ailsa is the star attraction — having hosted The Open four times, including the legendary 1977 “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus — Turnberry is home to more than one world-class layout. The King Robert the Bruce course, also designed by Ebert, recently earned a place in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses.
Golfers can also enjoy the Arran nine-hole course, the Wee Links pitch-and-putt, and a newly upgraded Golf Academy featuring a Trackman 11-bay range and simulator, along with a new Academy Café.
Booking for new rounds on the Ailsa is now open via the Trump Turnberry website.
