The Iconic 9th at Turnberry's Ailsa Course

There's something magical about Turnberry that hits you the moment you arrive. Maybe it's the lighthouse perched on the rocks, or the way Ailsa Craig sits like a sleeping giant in the distance. But for most golfers, it's that first glimpse of the 9th hole that really takes your breath away.

The Ailsa Course has always been special—four Open Championships will do that for a place. But when they redesigned the 9th in 2016, they created something truly extraordinary. What used to be a decent par-4 became one of the most photographed holes in golf, and honestly, the cameras don't do it justice.

Martin Ebert had quite the task when he was asked to reimagine this hole. The old par-4 was fine, but "fine" doesn't make golfers travel halfway around the world. The new design? It's anything but fine.

Now you're standing on a tee that feels like it's hanging off the edge of Scotland itself. The Firth of Clyde churns below, and you've got to carry your ball over 240 yards of pure nothing to reach a green that sits next to that famous lighthouse. Oh, and those castle ruins you can see? That's where Robert the Bruce was born back in the 13th century. No pressure.

The whole thing was reportedly pushed by the resort's owners, who understood something important: great golf holes stick with you long after you've left the course. This one certainly does that.

Club Selection
Forget what the yardage book says. The wind is your caddie here. On a calm day, you might get away with a 5-iron. But when that Scottish wind picks up—and it will—don't be surprised if you're reaching for a 3-wood for the same shot. I've seen good players go from confident to confused in the space of a weather change.

Aim & Execution
That lighthouse looks like the perfect target, doesn't it? Well, experienced players know better. Feel the crosswind, check those slopes on the green, and remember there are bunkers waiting short and right. The left side? That's where golf balls go to die.

Your best bet is aiming for the right-center of the green and letting the wind do some of the work. It's not the most exciting strategy, but it's the one that keeps you out of trouble.

Mental Approach
Here's the thing nobody tells you: it's easy to get completely overwhelmed here. The scenery is incredible, the drop-off is intimidating, and you know this shot is going on Instagram whether you want it to or not. Take a breath, pick your target, and trust what got you here. A par on this hole feels like victory, and walking away with a three is something you'll remember forever.

Additional Tips
Whatever you do, don't end up above the hole. The green slopes back-to-front, and those downhill putts move faster than you think. If you're lucky enough to have a local caddie, listen to them—they've seen this hole in every possible condition. And yes, there's a bailout area to the right if you're not feeling brave, but the recovery shot isn't exactly a gimme.

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 Greatest Duel Ever
Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus put on a show that people still talk about. While the rest of the field fell away, these two legends went at it head-to-head in what became known as "The Duel in the Sun." Watson's birdie at 17 and clutch par at 18 gave him a one-shot win, but both men walked away having created something special.

1986: Norman's Breakthrough
The wind howled, the course showed its teeth, and Greg Norman finally captured his first major. His even-par total tells you everything about how tough conditions were that week.

1994: Price's Perfect Finish
Nick Price closed with a 66 to edge Jesper Parnevik by one. It was clinical golf on a course that rewards precision and punishes mistakes.

2009: Watson’s Near-Miracle
Thirty-two years after his famous win, Tom Watson came back at age 59 and nearly pulled off the impossible. Leading into the final hole, he needed just a par for his sixth Open title. A bogey forced a playoff with Stewart Cink, who won, but Watson's performance reminded everyone why golf is such a beautiful game.

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.

While you're in the area, you'd be crazy not to explore what else Ayrshire has to offer.

Dundonald Links is the new kid on the block (opened in 2005), but it's aged beautifully. Kyle Phillips, the same guy who designed Kingsbarns, created something special here. At 7,100 yards from the tips, it'll test every part of your game, and it's good enough to host the Scottish Open.

Prestwick is where it all began. Old Tom Morris laid out this course in 1851, and it hosted the very first Open Championship in 1860. Playing here is like taking a history lesson with your 7-iron. Every hole has a story, and you can feel the weight of tradition in every shot. Gailes Links rounds out the trio perfectly. As the ninth oldest course in the world (opened in 1892), it regularly makes those Top 100 lists for good reason. The gorse, the heather, the rolling dunes—it's links golf the way it was meant to be played.

Any of these would make for a great day on their own, but together? You're looking at one of the world's great golf destinations. Just don't blame me when you start planning your next trip before you've even finished this one.

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.