Tam's Tall Tales

- Trump's Turnberry Course


Turnberry Golf Course and Ailsa Craig © Robert Watson via Wikimedia Commons



Trump's Plans for Turnberry Course
The proposed changes to the legendary Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort have been unveiled for the first time by owner Donald J Trump. (Graphic on the right is a view of the 11th hole ('Maidens') of the Ailsa course. The photograph was taken on the final practice day of the 2009 Open Golf Championship. Graphic © John Feilding via Wikimedia Commons)

Less than a year after taking over the Scottish resort, the Trump Organization and golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert - in close consultation with the R&A - have revealed plans for 'extensive but sympathetic changes'.

The proposals for Turnberry, which opened in 1901 and has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions, will include the creation of five new holes and a range of alterations covering the 1,000-acre course.

The changes include lengthening the Open layout by 150 yards to just over 7,350 yards while the course will now include five par threes. It will retain its par 70 status for the Open but will increase to 71 for general play with the fifth hole becoming a par five.

"I think it really will bring back the illustrious history," said his son Eric Trump.



Eric Trump, the executive vice president of the Trump organisation, is hopeful the changes will lead to the return of the Open Championship "by the end of the decade". (The graphic shows the famous claret jug trophy of The Open Golf Championship).

He said the proposed developments will improve and enhance the courses heritage and are designed to keep pace with modern golf.

Turnberry has hosted the Open four times - the most recent in 2009 when Stewart Cink beat Tom Watson in a play-off.


Please give me whatever feedback comes to mind via tamfromrampant@gmail.com.

Tam O'Ranter
April 2015

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