Trump Turnberry

The King Robert the Bruce is Turnberry’s second championship course, a par 72 of 7,203 yards or about 6,586 metres, completely transformed by Martin Ebert and opened in 2017. It crosses high ground, gorse, wetlands and coves with repeated views of Ailsa Craig, Arran and the ruins of Turnberry Castle.

The ground previously formed the Kintyre Course and earlier resort configurations. During Turnberry’s wider redevelopment, Martin Ebert was asked to create a standalone layout capable of complementing the Ailsa. Unveiled in 2017, it was named for Robert the Bruce, traditionally associated with the nearby castle. The project radically changed routing, greens, bunkering and access to coastal ground. The course climbs Bain’s Hill, follows natural wetlands and approaches Kintyre’s Cove before returning toward the hotel. It provides more elevated views than many flat Ayrshire links. Arran, Holy Isle and Ailsa Craig act as visual markers, while south-westerly wind reaches the holes from changing directions. Medieval ruins and the lighthouse deepen the historic setting.

Ebert combines broad modern corridors with traditional links detail. Fairways roll between gorse and pot bunkers, greens are strongly contoured and several holes offer safe and direct lines. The ninth asks for an approach across Kintyre’s Cove, while Bain’s Hill holes exploit elevation. Four par fives create genuine decisions according to wind. At full length the course exceeds 6,500 metres and requires power, although multiple tees make it adjustable. High ground can be firm, while areas near wetlands respond more softly. Plateau and two-tier greens demand accurate depth control. Gorse is the principal penalty for a tee shot started on the wrong line.

The course belongs to a complete resort with historic hotel, spa, restaurants, academy, large professional shop and extensive practice. Visitors may book golf alone or a stay-and-play package. The experience is more contemporary than a traditional members’ club, yet the landscape and the neighbouring Ailsa preserve strong Scottish depth.

Play it to see how modern architecture can use a historic site without copying an old links. King Robert the Bruce offers more elevation, broad views and large-scale landscape gestures than most Ayrshire courses. It is a logical companion to the Ailsa: less Open history, but rich strategic variety and panoramas. 18 holes; par 72; 7,203 yards or about 6,586 metres; designed by Martin Ebert; opened 2017; named after Robert the Bruce; ninth above Kintyre’s Cove; views of Ailsa Craig, Arran, Holy Isle and Turnberry Castle.

Resort championships, corporate events and elite amateur/professional golf — Annual calendar Opened in 2017 after a complete Martin Ebert transformation; 7,203-yard championship course