Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
The most photogenic links in Scotland — home of the 1977 “Duel in the Sun” and its lighthouse par 3 — open to visitors as well as resort guests.
Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course in photos
Can I play Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course?
Yes — the Ailsa is a resort course open to visitors as well as hotel guests; you book a tee time rather than needing a member, and a handicap is required.
How to book: Reserve through the resort’s golf reservations, well ahead for summer. Staying at the Trump Turnberry hotel unlocks lower guest green fees and easier access to prime times; non-residents pay a premium, especially before 1pm in peak season.
About Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
Turnberry’s Ailsa Course has hosted four Opens, most famously the 1977 “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, and remains one of the most spectacular stretches of golf anywhere, running along the Ayrshire shore beneath a landmark lighthouse. First laid out by Willie Fernie in 1906 and rebuilt by Mackenzie Ross after the links spent the war years as an airfield, it was restored by Martin Ebert in 2016, when the celebrated 9th became a cliff-edge par 3. Any golfer can play it — resort guests get the best rates and tee times, while non-residents pay a premium, particularly for peak morning slots. It is not currently on the Open rota, but it is still a bucket-list resort links with views to Ailsa Craig and Arran.
Signature hole
The par-3 9th “Bruce’s Castle”, carried across the rocks and the bay in the shadow of the white Turnberry lighthouse.
What makes it special
The lighthouse 9th
A cliff-top par 3 beside Turnberry’s iconic white lighthouse.
Scene of the Duel in the Sun
Watson v Nicklaus, the 1977 Open, was decided here.
Stay-and-play priority
Hotel guests get lower fees and the best tee times.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship (1977, 1986, 1994, 2009)
- Senior Open (2003, 2012)
- Ricoh Women’s British Open (2002, 2015)
Need to know
Best time to play
May–September for the best of the weather and the famous coastal light; the Firth of Clyde wind is ever-present.
Dress code
Smart golf attire — collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, soft spikes; no denim.
Good to know
The most scenic of Scotland’s Open links; caddies enhance the experience. Allow around 4.5 hours and expect exposed, wind-swept holes along the shore.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) ~25 min; Glasgow (GLA) ~1 hr 15.
On arrival
On the Ayrshire coast about 50 miles south-west of Glasgow via the A77, just south of Girvan and looking out to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.
Stay near the course
The clifftop Trump Turnberry hotel and its lodges sit above the course; the restored lighthouse holds a halfway house and suites. Ayr and Girvan offer nearby alternatives.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Trump Turnberry
Ballantrae
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Marine Troon Hotel
Troon
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Garryloop
Girvan
A taste of the luxury stays near Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Turnberry — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Turnberry.
Explore TurnberryFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play the Ailsa Course?
Yes — it is a resort course open to the public as well as hotel guests. You book a tee time and a handicap is required.
How much does it cost to play Turnberry?
Indicatively up to about £1,000 for a peak non-resident round before 1pm, around £545 after 1pm, and from roughly £315 off-peak; hotel guests pay materially less. Confirm on the official site.
Do I have to stay at the resort?
No, but staying at the Trump Turnberry hotel unlocks lower green fees and easier access to prime tee times.
When is the best time to play?
May to September for the weather and long daylight, though the coastal wind blows in every season.
More golf courses to play
St Andrews — Old Course
St Andrews, Scotland · Links
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
Carnoustie, Scotland · Links
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course)
Dornoch, Scotland · Links
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North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
North Berwick, Scotland · Links
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Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)
Cruden Bay, Scotland · Links
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.