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• First pics emerge showing new-look Ailsa
• Photos of redesigned fourth and 11th holes
• Course scheduled to re-open on June 1 this year

TRUMP TURNBERRY | AILSA COURSE

The first official pictures have emerged showing some of the changes that have been made to the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry.

They show the remodelled fourth green and the stunning new par-3 11th ahead of the official re-opening of the Open Championship host venue on June 1 this year.

The Ayrshire links has been given a multi-million pound facelift by renowned golf course architect Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert. The most significant changes have been made to the stretch of holes near the iconic lighthouse, namely the ninth – which has been converted from a par-4 into a par-3 – the tenth and the 11th.

You can see the 11th in the main picture, above. Previously considered one of the weaker holes on the course, it has been significantly altered to bring the coastline much more into play.

CONTINUES BELOW…

4th hole

The par-3 fourth, meanwhile, above, has its green moved back and further to the left towards the coast, providing golfers with uninterrupted views of the putting surface, as well as the increased challenge of being closer to the sea.

Changes to the Ailsa Course were first outlined 12 months ago, following US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s purchase of the resort in April 2014.

     Read more -> “Trump Turnberry changes are inspired”

At the time, the US tycoon spoke of his “honour and privilege to own one of golf’s greatest and most exciting properties”.

Work has also been undertaken to transform the adjoining hotel, whilst the renovated clubhouse was re-opened last year ahead of the RICOH Women’s British Open Championship, the final big event to be contested over the ‘old’ Ailsa.

     Read more -> What it’s like to play golf with Donald Trump

Turnberry has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions, most recently in 2009 when Stewart Cink denied the then 59-year-old Tom Watson what would have been a record-equalling sixth victory.

Trump Turnberry changes :: your thoughts

What do you make of the changes to the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry? Do you intend to play it when it re-opens this summer? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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