Turnberry is well known for hosting four majors in the modern era. The first of these Opens was the 1977 Duel in The Sun, perhaps being one of the greatest Opens ever held. Tom Watson snuck past Jack Nicklaus by one shot after scoring 65-65 on the weekend to Jack’s 65-66. If Tom Watson had managed to grab the Claret Jug in 2009 perhaps that Open would be seen in the same light as the ’77 Open. What is often not remembered is Turnberry’s non-Open championship record. The resort has hosted four Amateurs, two Women’s British Opens, a Walker Cup and a myriad of other amateur and pro events.
Members of Girvan initially founded Turnberry in 1892. What that original design was like or even if there was a pre-1900 course I cannot say. Willie Fernie's 1901 thirteen-hole course had later additions to make a full 18. CK Hutchison created a new 18 holes in 1926 using the same land and some of the routing. Although the course was used as a landing strip and training base during WWI, it doesn’t seem as though there was much damage. The next major work I am aware of is again by Cecil Hutchison’s hand which was completed in 1938. More is the pity, because the course was once again used for a similar purpose as it was during the First Work War. After extensive damage during WWII, Mackenzie Ross was called in to revive Turnberry in 1951. There are conflicting reports as to how much damage was done during the war, but it does seem clear that Ross made significant changes to course shaping, greens etc even if the routing doesn’t strike one as terrible different. Some landing strips were dug up and the rubble used as a base for shaping, however, it is clear the routing is hemmed in by landing strips. That said, more effort was put into using the coastline. Holes 4, 9 & 10 hugged the sea. It is essentially this course which garnered fame as a Championship venue.
Despite a grand reputation, many believed Turnberry wasn’t all that it could be. Prior to the 2009 Open Mackenzie & Ebert made several modifications, most notably to the magnificent 10th and the 16th. Donald Trump purchased the resort in 2014 for what was a bargain price of £60 million. With this acquisition came radical changes to the course and major upgrades to the hotel. Once again, Mackenzie & Ebert were engaged. A quick rundown of the alterations includes
1st lengthened with new green
The 4th extended with new green
5th tees and green extended; becomes a par 5 for general play
Shortened par three 6th hole with a new green
New 9th using old tees to a new green near the water and lighthouse
Lengthened 10th with new green
New 11th short hole
14th moved right to a green in old 9th fairway
17th shortened with a new green
Longer 18th that is now fairly straight, new raised tee
The changes won't end with the above. In 2024 a significant alteration is planned. The existing 7th fairway will be shifted left to a new green near the coast. The tee will be further right. This will necessitate the 8th tees being moved to the right. I am sure more changes will occur over time!
The opener used to be a gentle handshake. The increased length isn’t a merry hello! The green is meant to be a replica of the previous version.
The second sees the introduction of sand scrapes. The green is tucked into a pack of gorse; it doesn't take much of an error to write off an approach.
Being a gentle legger right of somewhat similar yardage, the third feels akin to the opener. The short 4th opens the coastal holes account. These holes are the meat of Turnberry's signicant improvement. Lovely hole, although I would probably like to see the waste area extended up to the bunker.
More to follow.
Ciao