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Turnberry, South Ayrshire

Trump Turnberry - King Robert the Bruce Course

A spectacular reborn links where coastal cliffs frame championship golf against the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse.

About the Course

Rising from the grounds of the former Kintyre course, Martin Ebert's 2017 transformation created King Robert the Bruce—a virtually new 7,203-yard championship links that rivals its legendary sister Ailsa in architectural brilliance and natural drama. Named after Scotland's warrior king born at the castle ruins that now frame the iconic lighthouse, this par-72 course occupies largely the same footprint as its predecessor but offers an entirely reimagined experience. Ebert's masterstroke was reversing the coastal hole routing, placing the lighthouse and Ailsa Craig as dramatic backdrops rather than distant targets, while constructing four completely new holes atop Bain's Hill that deliver some of Scottish links golf's most breathtaking moments.

The course opens on relatively flat terrain with strategic central fairway bunkers replacing an artificial burn, then ascends to Bain's Hill where the middle stretch—particularly the elevated 9th green perched above Kintyre's Cove—provides spine-tingling coastal golf. Distinctive bunkering with revetted greens and marram-grass eyebrows on fairway hazards creates the aesthetic contrast between championship precision and rugged Scottish character. Wetland features between the 5th and 13th holes serve both ecological and strategic purposes, while the gorse-lined fairways and undulating greens test shot-making throughout.

Whether playing alongside caddies—recommended for first-timers—or walking independently, the course rewards strategic thinking and penalizes wayward shots with authority. The layout flows naturally through the dunes while commanding panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde toward the Isle of Arran, creating an immersive experience where landscape and architecture unite to produce world-class golf. For groups, staying on the Trump Turnberry property ensures priority tee times and immediate access to championship facilities, fine dining, and a world-class spa.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • One of just two Turnberry courses ranked in Golf Digest's World's 100 Greatest Courses, delivering championship-caliber architecture and drama without the Open Championship pedigree pressure of the Ailsa
  • The clifftop 9th hole above Kintyre's Cove represents some of the most visually stunning golf in Scotland—a theatrical par-3 that justifies the journey alone
  • Martin Ebert's reversal of the original coastal routing creates superior design flow, with the lighthouse and Ailsa Craig serving as perfect compositional backdrops throughout the critical middle stretch
  • A comprehensive 800-acre resort with 204 luxury on-property rooms, three 2 AA Rosette restaurants, an award-winning spa, and dedicated Golf Academy ensures groups never need leave the grounds
  • Walkable for most fitness levels with caddies available for enhanced experience; cart hire available exclusively on this course (unlike the walking-only Ailsa), offering flexibility for varied abilities within a group
Courses on Property
Ailsa Course18 holes · Par 70

The legendary four-time Open Championship host (1977, 1986, 1994, 2009), recently renovated by Martin Ebert with five completely new holes and hosting the iconic 'Duel in the Sun' 18th.

King Robert the Bruce18 holes · Par 72

Martin Ebert's 2017 transformation of the Kintyre, now ranked in Golf Digest's World's 100 with spectacular clifftop holes and the iconic lighthouse as compositional centerpiece.

Arran Course9 holes · Par 31

Executive-length academy course ideal for warm-ups, short-game practice, or beginners; uses TrackMan technology and offers excellent value for accessing Turnberry's links golf experience.

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$120–$350/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
May through September offers the most forgiving weather and longest daylight (the sun stays out until well after 10pm in high summer), making it ideal for groups seeking maximum golf time. April and October provide shoulder-season charm with fewer crowds and often acceptable conditions, though weather is more variable. June is peak season with the best light but highest prices and tightest availability. Winter (November-February) brings dramatic scenery and lower rates but demands resilience against wind, rain, and shortened daylight. Avoid late August when school holidays create crowding; September offers the same conditions with significantly better availability.
LinksParklandOcean ViewsBucket ListCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipWaterfrontHistoricWalking OnlyCart Available
Stay on Property
Trump Turnberry is the UK's only Forbes 5-Star resort, offering 204 elegantly appointed guest rooms including ocean-view accommodations, four championship suites named after Open winners, and the iconic two-bedroom Lighthouse Suite overlooking the castle ruins and courses. Self-catering cottages (2-bedroom) and exclusive private villas (4, 6, or 8-bedroom) are also available within the 800-acre estate. All accommodations feature premium amenities, spa access, complimentary wireless, and 24-hour room service.

Trump Turnberry is the UK's only Forbes 5-Star resort, offering 204 elegantly appointed guest rooms including ocean-view accommodations, four championship suites named after Open winners, and the iconic two-bedroom Lighthouse Suite overlooking the castle ruins and courses. Self-catering cottages (2-bedroom) and exclusive private villas (4, 6, or 8-bedroom) are also available within the 800-acre estate. All accommodations feature premium amenities, spa access, complimentary wireless, and 24-hour room service.

Nearby Lodging