Trump Turnberry alterations unveiled

• Changes to the Ailsa course revealed for the first time
• Donald Trump: “Today is a very important milestone”
• The re-designed course will be available to play in June 2016

The proposed changes to the legendary Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry Resort have been unveiled for the first time at a press conference today.

In less than one year after securing ownership, the Trump Organisation and famed golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert have completed a meticulous historic study and modern day review of the Ailsa course and, in close consultation with the R&A, have revealed plans for extensive but sympathetic changes many of which have been sought for decades.

The proposals for the great Ailsa course, which first opened in 1901 and has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions, will include the creation of five dramatic and stunning new holes and a range of alterations covering virtually every corner of the course, which sits on over 1,000 acres.

“We are thrilled to be officially unveiling a new and exciting future for this spectacular development” – Donald Trump

In a statement, owner of the world-renowned resort Donald Trump said: “Today marks a very important milestone for Turnberry and we are thrilled to be officially unveiling a new and exciting future for this spectacular development.

“In close consultation with the R&A, we have created an intricate plan which covers every inch of this magnificent course and will make Trump Turnberry a masterpiece in golf course design providing the most challenging and spectacular golf experiences anywhere in the world.

“I would like to thank the R&A for their time and dedication to the delicate renovation of the Ailsa course.”

Hosting the press conference, Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organisation, said: “Our plans are extensive and will offer a new playing experience which will be unrivalled anywhere in the world.

“Our main objectives have been to retain the routing of the course, but to emphasise the spectacular coastline views.”

The changes have been created in partnership with Mackenzie & Ebert, golf architects which currently advise six of the ten venues on the Open rota, and were presented today in a digitally mastered short film which included a ‘fly through’ illustrating the key changes.

Martin Ebert, director of Mackenzie & Ebert, added: “The re-born Ailsa course will create a much enhanced golfing experience, making even more use of the spectacular landscape and the iconic historic scenes that make Turnberry so special.   That, in turn, will lead to even more enjoyable golf for everyone and further dramatic championships at Turnberry.”

Among the new changes announced today include the lengthening of the Open layout by 150 yards giving it a total yardage of just over 7,350 yards which will be a real test, bearing in mind that there will now be five par-3s in the layout.

It will retain its par 70 status for the Open but will increase to 71 for general play with the 5th hole becoming a par-5.

Five new holes will be created at the 6th, 9th, 10th, 11thand 14th together with alterations to all other holes including the reshaping and positioning of bunkers, new tees and green positions and the softening of green contours to provide for more options for flag positions.

The proposals for the course have already been presented in a private meeting to golf club members to an overwhelmingly positive response.

Additionally, a £10m upgrade of the clubhouse and new Duel in the Sun restaurant is currently underway and is planned to open in June 2015, in advance of the RICOH Womens’ British Open, which will be the last major tournament to be hosted by the course in its current form.

Likewise, the 2nd course is being fully redeveloped to the highest standards of golf. It too will be a high calibre tournament quality course.

The newly re-designed Ailsa course will be available for play for the first time in June 2016.

Trump Turnberry :: Developments

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