Turnberry Resort

Turnberry Resort, Turnberry, South of Scotland, Scotland, KA26 9LT

01655331000 | E-mail golf course | Golf course website

33 reviews of Turnberry Resort

Showing 25 most recent reviews. View all reviews

Excellent round on the Ailsa last month. The course was a joy to play and in superb condition. Lost plenty of golf balls but had a very memorable round of golf. Will be back to play again soon and will give Turnberry a 5 out of 5.

Posted by David on 07/07/2014
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Travelled to Scotland a couple of weeks ago to finally tick Turnberry off my bucketlist and, despite grand expectations, I was certainly not disappointed! Having warmed up at Dundonald Links the day before we arrived at Turnberry, we took to the Kintyre having enjoyed a "Full Monty" Scottish Breakfast in the clubhouse while overlooking the 18th green on the Ailsa. Although this is the resort's "2nd Course" it is a great test of golf in its own right. The 8th might be quirky but it's lots of fun and a spectacular hole to boot. This was the highlight of the round for us but the rest of the course is top class and a great warm up for the championship test that awaits in the Ailsa. After golf on the Kintyre we enjoyed a quick trip to the spa and dinner in the 1906 restaurant, all supplemented of course with a few declicious pints of the locally brewed St Mungo beer! The hotel is amazing and fully deserving of its five stars. After another hearty breakfast, this time in the 1906 Restaurant, we took to the Ailsa Course. After a trio of lovely opening holes, you hit the coastline and that's where the Ailsa's magic starts to come to the fore. From the 4th tee to the 11th green, the course is pure links heaven and witout a weak hole on the course, you have to be on your game from the 1st tee to the 18th green. Having watched the Open at Turnberry you'd think you would recognise the course but at ground level it's a totally different animal. If links golf appeals to you then Turnberry is simply a must. Having driven 7 hours to tick it off my buckelist, I decided not to cross it out meaning I will just have to go back to play there again! 10/10

Posted by Rory Anderson on 29/10/2013
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Made a return visit to play the Ailsa on 21-10-13 18 months after the last visit having played Carnoustie, Royal Liverpool, Gleneagles PGA & Birkdale in the meantime with my 14 year old who plays off 4...And i have to say this course is the best of the lot by an absolute mile. We played once again for a £55 tee off times deal. Virtually every hole is a true test of golf with probably only 12 and 14 lacking a little something. The last 4 holes are are as near to perfection as possible and walking down the 18th fairway brings back so many memories of the great Tom Watson in 2009. We teed off at 150 and were behind 2 groups of 4 (think they were a party of 8) the second of these groups did a little too much pratting about instead of concentrating on the golf which resulted in us only just about getting round before darkness fell ( being a 2ball we could have been let through) but that was a minor point. Hopefully we will return for a third trip next year

Posted by Duncan.holding on 23/10/2013
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Played the Kintyre last week with the Bunkered magazine voucher and it was excellent.Very dry and running fast with smooth greens that are very slopey but true.Lots of trouble with gorse if you hit a stray shot but rewards are good if you drive straight.Even drove through the PAR4 9th at 317yds!Well worth a visit.

Posted by Steven Blakey on 20/06/2012
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Where to start???? I guess it should start with the hotel and the phenomenal deluxe sea view rooms, as the weather was sunny and brisk this mean some awesome views across to the Ailsa Craig, and the Irish mountains way of in the distance. The service, the food and the whole experience in one I would put on every golfers bucket list. The golf doesn't get any better either, our first round was on the Kintyre, considered the 2nd course, however most resorts would be delighted to have this as their premier course. There is gorse all over the place and any misguided shots will leave you struggling. A fair but challenging course. The 2nd day saw us challenge the Ailsa, I cannot say anything less than Spectacular, everything about this course oozes class and rightly so given its championship status. the 9th, 10th, 11th and 16th holes will always be remembered, as will the 18th, where I was thinking "how did Tom Watson not make Par?" This I found out when I approached the green!!! For any avid golfer this is a must, I just hope you enjoy it as much as our group did.

Posted by Rob Houston on 17/04/2012
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

What can i say. Played the Ailsa with my 13 year old son for £55 each offer. Absolutely brilliant, had a 2pm teetime which meant we sampled breakfast beforehand followed by a warm up on the chipping green. putting green and driving range. The course itself was superb. Fairly gentle start but by the 6th- a monster par three there followed 6really tough holes. 12-13 and 14 were less severe but the last 4 holes were a great set of holes to finish. The greens were true but not the fastest ive played on but its is only very early in the season. My son scored 83 off the yellow tees and i struggled round the turn but it didnt spoil the day. We had a brilliant experience and would love to return.

Posted by Duncan Holding on 04/04/2012
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Just back from a trip to Turnberry and have to say the more I go there, the better I think it is. My first impressions of the Ailsa were that it was held in a better esteem than it actually was, however after playing it a few more times I have to say it is an excellent golf course that really maximises the most out of golfers skill. The 2nd golf course is the Kintyre which can be very difficult in the wind due to gorse lining the fairways. It has some cracking holes especially the par-4 8th and 9th holes. My favourite on the back 9 is the 13th which has lots of bunkers off the tee and an undulating green. There is also a short course (the Arran) which is a good test for your short game and really enjoyable. There is also a pitch and putt just outside the hotel which is really difficult! The hotel is superb, we paid for upgraded rooms and have to say it is worth it. The restaurants and food was excellent and well recommended. We booked it with your golf and for 2 nights and 2 rounds we felt it was great value. Will be returning next year!

Posted by Gary Paids on 17/05/2011
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Went to Turnberry the other weekend with my society and have to say we were really impressed by everything the resort had to offer. Although Turnberry is famed for the Ailsa Course, the Kintyre (the course we played on the first day) is a real gem. The Kintyre course start off with some pretty high tariff holes with fairways bordered by thick gorse and pot bunkers ready to catch the less than perfect drives. The course really comes alive on the 8th hole with one of the best holes in the 45 on offer at Turnberry. A short par-4 falling down towards the sea, those finishing over the green are met with rocks and the Irish Sea. We ate in the hotel in the evening and were suitably impressed by the food on offer. Although the prices are as you expected for a 5* hotel the quality of service and standard of food were of the very highest quality and more than justified the cost. We stayed in upgraded deluxe rooms which were spacious, modern and furnished to a very high specification. Our second round was played on the Ailsa course which lived up to its reputation as one of the best in the British Isles. The holes from 4 - 11 all hug the rugged coastline which not only offers impressive vistas but provide a real stern test with offline shots (as there were in our group!) suitably punished. We travelled on a golf break organised by Your Golf Travel and can safely say it is one of the best value breaks we've ever had. We will certainly be returning next year but if I have my way it will be earlier than that!

Posted by Roger Green on 07/02/2011
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Played the Ailsa on 6th February, 2011. The course starts with a couple of gentle openers to get you into your game but as everyone has said previously, as soon as you get to No.4, the course really begins to ask questions of how well can you play. THAT run of holes up to No.12 is really something to be savoured. I used to think No. 9 was THE hole on the course but now No.10 is the one. Stand on the championship tee and you will understand. What a tee shot, aim at the far bunkers and give all you've got..what a hole. The course was in fantastic shape, the staff couldn't have more helpful and as for dinner in 1906, it really is a fantastic affair. The only reason i have given the Ailsa 4 stars for the greens were that they were a little bit long, which is understandable for this time of year

Posted by Sam Krume on 07/02/2011
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings
  • Green conditions 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Green conditions 4
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Staff service 5
  • Value for money 5

Having watched Tom Watson's amazing golf in the 2009 Open Championship I decided I had to get out there and experience the stunning Ailsa layout. Although the course enjoys all the attributes you normally associate with links golf the Ailsa's charm is in its stunning views found along the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th holes as well as its dramatic elevations from the 5th onwards. Both of these add a real 'wow' factor to the round and its easy to see why this course is so regularly ranked in the top 10 in the world. The staff were very accommodating and the clubhouse itself is great with views across the Ailsa and Kintyre courses as well as some great food. We stayed in the hotel during our break which was very enjoyable. The bars and restaurants are of a very good standard and prices are as you'd expect from a 5* hotel. One thing to try is the hotel's beer which is called Saint Mungo and is a great tipple. Only slight gripe on the whole weekend was that the starter wouldn't let us play off the back tees (highest handicap in our group was 2) for the Ailsa course. Still I guess there are reasons for this.

Posted by Dave the Golfer on 14/01/2011
5
Show all ratings
Overall Rating 5
  • Overall Ratings

      How can one adequately rate a course like Turnberry? It's a unique experience, but for all that, I have some reservations. Our party of six Swedish golfers played at Turnberry (Ailsa course) on July 17, 2008. It was a late decision to include Turnberry in our tour - in fact, it was the pro at our home club who convinced us - so we phoned to make a reservation just six days in advance. We got two tee times in the late afternoon (3.30 and 3.40 pm). The weather had looked threatening, but turned out pretty nice. No rain and only about 15 mph of wind, although the wind freshened as the day wore on. The layout is fabulous with every hole having its own unique character. Fairways and greens were in great condition without being a truly "wow" experience (actually, I'd say the greens at Prestwick St Nicholas, which we played the day after, were better). I was surprised that the rough was for the most part not very dense and that heather and gorse didn't come into play very much. The great disappointment of our round was the slow play. We had a party of Americans before us, and those guys apparently had no idea of the concept of letting faster parties play through. They spent inordinate amounts of time looking for their balls in the rough; they took photos of each other before, during and after play on every hole; and they generally just loitered about. The round took over 5 hours. Considering that the green fee is 160 pounds, Turnberry ought to be able to afford having course stewards who could ensure that this kind of thing does not happen. The clubhouse is of course top class, and we enjoyed a very nice evening meal there. Our thanks go to the patient staff in the restaurant, who kept our reserved table for us although we were much delayed on the course.

      Posted by Harald Hallen on 19/07/2008
      4
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 4
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3

      A simply sensational place. We stayed in one of the 6 bedroom lodges right on the edge of the courses. This was truly superb as was the hotel, the food and the facilities - everything you'd expect from a 5 Star hotel, but to the chase - could the golf live up to it? Well it certainly did and even surpassed it - 5 Stars nowhere near enough. We played both 18 hole courses in reasonable weather. The Kintyre is a decent enough links track lit up by 3 or 4 quite sensational holes -the short par 4 7th with a flicked approach to a green set into the cliffs and the sea followed by a dogleg long par 4 fired into the famous lighthouse from the other angle would grace any course. But it's The Ailsa that we really all care about. I'd been given various positive reports about it, but none truly painted the picture that this really is links golf perfection. True the first couple of holes are fairly gentle but after that you could write pages on virtually every hole. The par 3 fourth is simply stunning, the famous 9th and 10th are every bit as good as you imagine they'll be while 16 and 17 are outstanding golf holes. Tiger and Co will love it. Off course the clubhouse is terrific - you are given a locker for the duration of your stay and mine was between Nick Price's and Greg Norman's - need I say more? Sure it's expensive, but some things are worth it. Treat yourself, you won't regret it.

      Posted by Dan Jacobs on 08/04/2008
      5
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 5
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4

      I have played golf in Scotland for over twenty years and it wasn't until recently that I actually played at the Turnberry Resort. I have played some of the top golf clubs in the world, Winged Foot, National Golf Links of America, Shinnecock, St. Andrews, Royal Troon...and many more, and I would have to put Turnberry very high on this list. It is actually sad that the word "Resort" is associated with this course, since that term tends to make players feel that the course will be very fair and forgiving. Quite to the contrary. This is a true "Championship" links golf course that just so happens to have a truly magnificent and impressive hotel. The course plays tough, the way I like it. Yes I will not necessarily score well, but if you have to get beat up by a course, this one will definitely do. If you are willing and up to paying the high price tag for this course, you will not be dissappointed. Steven Najdzionek NY, NY USA

      Posted by Steven Najdzionek on 10/12/2007
      5
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 5
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4

      Played in Mid August. Notably the course was quiet - I think this time of the year is reserved for American and Japanese tourists. A few induged in caddies, and there was a mix of players (our team 10, 20, 36 hcp). No one barged around and it was all very relaxed. Stayed at the Westin on a package. Hotel 5 star, with 5 star prices, but as an indulgence this could not be beaten. As previous reviewers have mentioned it was the approach and extras that added. When playing either of the big courses you got some range balls, a valuables pouch, tees, score card and pencil and stroke saver - a nice touch. Hotel had putting greens and small pitch and put for free. Practise facilities are expansive (Colin Montgommery endorsed), but away from the ailsa, so 10 minutes needed to get to the first tee. Initially played the Aran, a 9 hole short course built around the Kintyre. A useful warm up for what was to come. Easily completed in an hour or so. This was followed by the Kintyre on a blustery but sunny day. Not overly difficult, although wayward shots into bunkers are punished severly. Playing out backwards - no joke!Excitement starts as you head for the coast and touch on the Ailsa with a different perspective on the light house. Then onto the Ailsa, which was played in a stiff breeze on a cold August day. Clubbing up or down by around 2 was an experience, as was keeping it on the short stuff. Every hole was a real test. Not only do you need a long drive, but you need to avoid the numerous hazards. The first real test comes at the short par 3 4th. Only a 6 iron off the tee, but on the day we played you hit towards the sea and prayed that it would float back onto the elevated green. Every hole thereafter was a delight. Around the halfway houe the sea really comes into play - luckily on shore winds, but I'd hate to think how tight this will be cut for the open in 2009. Highlight the 17th - massive par 4 requiring a strong drive and then 3 wood, only for two of us to three putt on a really difficult to read green. Only the 18th was a bit of a let down. No grandstand style finish and this felt one of the tamest holes. All in this was links golf at its best. Great facilities, not overly commercial - Turnberry really is in the middle of nowhere. Come for the golf and the views.

      Posted by Alistair How on 20/08/2007
      4
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 4
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 2
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 2

      The handicaps in our group range from 11 to 28, so we were very impressed at how playable the Ailsa was for guys of our standard, as most of us have memories of being demoralised at other Open venues like Muirfield and Carnoustie. We managed a day where there was little wind, so conditions were great, until we were deluged with the promised rain storm over the last 3 holes. The course was just a treat - maybe a divot or two too many left by previous lazy golfers, and the greens were maybe 8/10 on the day, but otherwise wonderful. By far the most scenic of the 4 Open courses I have played. The staff were very professional and attentive. Cost is high, but it's the going rate, so you take it or leave it.

      Posted by Ian Chalmers on 23/06/2007
      4
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 4
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3

      Spent 3 days at the resort last week. Absolutely fantastic,will return in the near future.Played the Kintyre on a beautiful winters day, and rate it one of the best 2nd courses I have ever played.On day 2,attempted to tackle the Ailsa, but after 4 holes in a 50mph gale, had to give up as my electric trolley had already been blown over 4 times.Returned the next day and went around the Ailsa in 3 and a half hours, a wonderful experience, despite there being 2 temporary tees at 10 and 16 due to work on the fairways.Greens were superb, bunkers were deep and sandy, but the views were sensational.The par 3 4th is a card wrecker amid some superb par 4's. The best Open course I have played, complemented by fantastic practise facilities. The starters were very friendly, as were the staff in the pro shop, and the hotel is 5 star, and has top notch leisure facilities, but pricey.Overall, a marvellous experience.

      Posted by Dave Murtagh on 19/02/2007
      5
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 5
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4
      • Clubhouse 5
      • Course challenge 5
      • Value for money 4

      Really enjoyed the Ailsa course, played in November of 2005. I had some freakish weather - no wind and the sun was shining but it was probably the coldest I've ever been. First few holes are relatively easy but really the course is easing you in. Playing from the rough on the fourth hole, I thought I had sprained my hand (it turned out later I had separated the muscle from the bone on my right hand). Despite the pain I played on, the course is simply too good to miss. Stand out hole for me was the 9th - long drive over the sea and onto a humpback fairway, simply awesome. I played the Kintyre the following day (still with my hand in a support), not as good as the Ailsa but a fair test from the whites and some nice holes, particularly a hole requiring an accurate pitch into a rocky alcove. All in all, as a one-off treat, I loved Turnberry, the atmosphere, the golf and the people all add up to a great day out.

      Posted by Gareth Hurley on 24/01/2006
      3
      Show all ratings
      Overall Rating 3
      • Overall Ratings
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3
      • Clubhouse 3
      • Course challenge 4
      • Value for money 3

      The Ailsa course is simply a joy to play. As part of a four ball taking up the 'Golf in the Gulf Stream' offer. We played for £79pp with a meal included. Despite shooting a cricket score, with my swing a thing of beauty amongst the lumberjack fraternity, I could not fault the day. I would recommend playing over the winter months when green fees are lower and the course is quiet. As an occassional treat for those without bottomless pockets it will not let you down.

      Posted by Peter Birch on 11/02/2005

      What can I say the ailsa course lived up to my expectations and alot more . The highlight being the stunning veiws aswell as the golf . We could'nt have been any luckier with the weather as it rained every day that week except the day we played. The staff were very freindly and helpful and the facilities second to none that I have encountered. The greens were fantastic considering the time of year. my only gripe would be the clubhouse prices . Although the food was excellent

      Posted by Dave Watson on 10/04/2004

      The Ailsa - A truly fantastic golf course which will hopefully be hosting the Open again sooner rather than later. Staff were friendly and helpful. Food and Drinks in the clubhouse were a bit expensive. The views are out of this world. It may appear a bit pricey but I can assure you it is well worth it.

      Posted by Ian Brown on 22/02/2004

      Turnberry is a wonderful old course, that many times can be more forgiving than tighter and humpier courses like Prestwick, Royal County Down or Portrush. It offers incredible views of the beautiful shoreline from both courses. Played the Ailsa in Sep 2003 and the course had been aerated and also subject to heavy play and a dry summer. Putting was difficult and of the 9 fairways I did hit, I had a divot lie in 5. Sometimes - it's just not your lucky day. The clubhouse and pro shop are top notch and the staff are very sincere and professional. If you stay at the resort you can use the little practice course as well which will really challenge your game and give you a great time. The Ailsa is a good fair test of links golf that when in good condition would be a joy to play again and again.

      Posted by Clay Ballentine on 21/09/2003

      Played the Kintyre on 2nd January 2003 and was really impressed with the layout. Interesting elevation around the turn up to Bains Hill. Greens were as well presented as some inland courses would be in the summer! The only problem on the back nine is trying to concentrate on playing the course without casting an envious eye next door to the closing holes of the Ailsa. The 18th has half a dozen fearsome bunkers down the left to keep you on your toes right to the final putt of the round. Having played the Ailsa at the end of 2001 and used the clubhouse facilities at that time, I thought a return visit to the 'Tappie Toorie' bar would seem a tad mundane - not a bit of it. I simply floated up the staircase from the locker room to the bar - what a place, complete golfing heaven. Fondly remembered until the next time...

      Posted by James McCann on 19/02/2003

      Turnberry (Ailsa) is a majestic setting with unparalled scenery. It is on my short list of the best courses I have played (probably right behind Kingsbarns and Pebble Beach). What a treat! Top notch accomodations as well.

      Posted by Nelson Berry on 30/08/2002

      Played the Ailsa on 16th November 2001 and it more than lived up to my expectations. I was lucky enough to play on a day when there was no wind - God knows what it must be like playing from the 4th to the 8th along the shoreline into a strong wind! The greens were cored so putting was very dificult. Several bunkers were being relined, particularly at the 1st and 15th. The caddiemaster, shop professional, starter, steward (at the Halfway House on the 10th tee) and locker room assistant were all very attentive and well versed in looking after serious golfers. Thanks to them too for making my first experience at playing a championship course so memorable. Looking at the old photos and competition results on the clubhouse balcony walls kept me floating on air within the clubhouse - I'll be back for more next March.

      Posted by James P McCann on 20/11/2001

      Kintyre Course - Although this course only opened earlier this year (2001) it was in superb condition when I played in August. The course is longer than it famous neighbourgh (The Ailsa) and could be a serious rival in the future for major tournaments. The key appears to be straight accurate hitting in order to put the ball in the right place on the greens. The latter, apart from being fast, are like a rollercoaster to putt on. The other feature is the 8th, a short par four but possibly the most senic hole in British golf with views encompassing Turnberry lighthouse, Ailsa Craig, the Kintrye penisula and Arran.

      Posted by C R Werrett on 12/09/2001

      Green Fees

      The Kintyre

      Green fees from £75

      Arran Course

      Green fees from £25

      The Ailsa

      Green fees from £95

      Facilities

      This venue has not entered its facilities yet.

      Do you own this venue? Contact Us to complete this information.

      Add a review

      Optional. We may use it to send you Uk Golf Guide news.

      Check the box for each course that you have played