The Iconic Ailsa Course 9th Hole, Turnberry

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is a name that resonates deeply with golfers worldwide synonymous with Open Championship drama stunning coastal beauty and an unparalleled links experience.

Nestled along the Ayrshire coast with breathtaking views of Ailsa Craig and the iconic lighthouse the course is a pilgrimage site for those who cherish the game. Among its many brilliant holes the 9th "Bruce's Castle" has emerged particularly since its dramatic redesign as one of the most photographed and talked-about par-3s in world golf.

This is not just a hole it's an experience a challenge and a testament to audacious course design.

The Ailsa Course has a rich history of hosting legendary championships but it was the bold redesign by Martin Ebert in 2016 that truly elevated the 9th hole to its current iconic status. Previously a par-4 the vision transformed it into a formidable and visually spectacular par-3.

The championship tee now sits perched on a cliff edge demanding a heroic carry of over 240 yards across the churning waters of the Firth of Clyde to a green nestled beside the historic Turnberry Lighthouse now ingeniously serving as a halfway house. The ruins of Robert the Bruce's castle the 13th-century birthplace of the King of Scots lend their name and a timeless backdrop to this incredible golfing test.

This was a deliberate move to create a signature hole that would live long in the memory a decision reportedly championed by the resort's owners who understood the magnetic appeal of a truly great par-3.

Club Selection
The wind will tell you what club to hit. No breeze and a 4 or 5-iron might be perfect. But battle that headwind and you could be grabbing a hybrid or even a 3-wood for the same shot.

Aim & Execution
The lighthouse looks like a good line but savvy players know to feel out those crosswinds and notice any up and down slopes. The green's got protection with bunkers short and right and a steep fall away on the left. Play it smart: aim towards the right-middle of the green and use the breeze to drift your ball onto the dance floor.

Mental Approach
Embrace the challenge and the view. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the scenery and the perceived difficulty. Take a deep breath focus on your target and trust your swing. A par here feels like a birdie and walking off with a three is a significant achievement.

Additional Tips
Stay below the hole. The green slopes subtly back-to-front, and downhill putts can be lightning fast. Local caddies can offer invaluable advice on club selection and aiming lines based on the day's specific conditions. There is a bailout area to the right of the green for those not wishing to take on the full carry but this will leave a tricky up and down.

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry has delivered some of the most iconic scenes in Open Championship history. Over four remarkable stagings—in 1977, 1986, 1994, and 2009—this legendary Scottish links has provided the stage for unforgettable performances. These Turnberry Open moments not only shaped careers but also solidified the Ailsa Course as one of the most revered venues in major championship golf.

1977: The Duel in the Sun – Ailsa’s Defining Moment
The 1977 Open at Turnberry is forever remembered for the epic duel between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. On a sun-soaked Ailsa Course, the two greats pulled away from the rest of the field, delivering an intense, two-man shootout. Watson’s clutch birdie at the 17th and final par at the 18th sealed a one-stroke win over Nicklaus. This battle, later dubbed “The Duel in the Sun,” is often cited as the greatest Turnberry Open moment of all time and helped elevate the Ailsa Course to legendary status.

1986: Greg Norman Breaks Through on the Ailsa Course
Windy and unforgiving, the Ailsa Course tested the world's best during the 1986 Open Championship. It was here that Greg Norman captured his first major title, navigating the treacherous terrain with precision and control. Norman’s victory at even par underlined the challenge the Ailsa presents and remains one of the classic Turnberry Open moments that defined the decade.

1994: Price’s Clinical Finish on the Ayrshire Coast
In 1994, Nick Price etched his name into Open history with a clinical performance on the Ailsa Course. A spectacular final-round 66 gave Price a one-shot victory over Jesper Parnevik, and his consistency throughout the week demonstrated how the Ailsa rewards disciplined strategy and exceptional ball striking. This triumph added to the growing legacy of Turnberry Open moments and further cemented the course’s place among the world’s elite championship venues.

2009: Watson’s Near-Miracle on the Ailsa Course
One of the most emotional stories in Open Championship history unfolded in 2009, when Tom Watson, then 59, turned back the clock on the same Ailsa Course where he famously won in 1977. Leading into the final hole, Watson needed only a par to claim an unprecedented sixth Open title. A bogey forced a playoff with Stewart Cink, who ultimately won, but Watson’s extraordinary performance remains one of the most inspirational Turnberry Open moments ever witnessed.

Where History is Written in the Wind
From legendary duels to career-defining victories, the Ailsa Course has delivered some of the most unforgettable Turnberry Open moments in golf history. With its dramatic coastal setting, strategic bunkering, and ever-changing conditions, Turnberry’s Ailsa is more than a golf course—it’s a theatre for greatness. Although The Open has not returned since 2009, anticipation remains high among fans and players alike for its eventual return. When it does, the Ailsa Course is sure to provide yet another chapter of drama, legacy, and timeless Open Championship moments.

A golf break in Ayrshire wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the legendary Turnberry, but the surrounding area is also home to several other world-class courses that make the region a dream for golf enthusiasts. Dundonald Links, for instance, is a modern masterpiece designed by Kyle Phillips, the same architect behind the acclaimed Kingsbarns. Though relatively new—opening in 2005—Dundonald has matured beautifully and now stands proudly among Scotland's best, even hosting the Scottish Open. Stretching to an impressive 7,100 yards from the back tees, it offers a challenging and scenic experience that’s well worth including in any golfing itinerary.

For those drawn to the roots of the game, Prestwick is a must-play. Founded by Old Tom Morris in 1851, Prestwick has a revered place in golf history as the original host of The Open Championship in 1860. Stepping onto these hallowed fairways is like walking through time, with echoes of the game’s early legends in every bunker and green. The course remains a cherished gem, offering both a strong test of skill and a unique connection to golf's storied past.

Another highlight of the Ayrshire coast is Gailes Links, part of the historic Glasgow Golf Club. Opened in 1892, it's the ninth oldest course in the world and regularly ranks among the Top 100 globally. Known for its classic, natural links layout, Gailes features gorse-lined fairways, rolling dunes, and thick heather that challenge even the most seasoned players. Its character and charm, combined with the area's coastal beauty, make it a perfect complement to any Turnberry-based golf holiday in Scotland.

Handicap: Scratch
Favourite Course: Kingsbarns
My 'Expert' areas: Ayrshire, St Andrews & Co. Sligo
Best trip I've done: Ireland, playing County Sligo, Carne & Enniscrone
Where my next trip is to: St Andrews..... (again!)

Give Sam a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.