I like to think I am pretty obsessed by this great game and have been known to drive some distance for a game if the course appeals to me – often on my own, that’s how weird I am…
When the opportunity and invitation came from the wonderful team at Trump Turnberry for the MASHIE squad to stay and play then a 7-hour drive seemed like a mere stroll in the park.
Having heard from friends and acquaintances just how good the resort is, both on and off the courses I had high expectations – dangerous in life as these lofty hopes are often not met and the most lauded venues can sometimes not live up to the hyperbole.
Trump Turnberry exceeded every expectation – this is quite simply a magnificent 36-hole golf resort with facilities, accommodation and staff that are exceptional.
After a quick lunch in the ‘Duel In The Sun’ clubhouse and some balls on the immaculate practice range it was time to head onto the course
We eased ourselves in gently with a round on the King Robert The Bruce – accompanied by Dan one of the resident pros and teaching staff. The gorse lined fairways require accuracy off the tee, the subtly contoured greens need a delicate touch, this is a fabulous ‘second’ course that demands your attention on every shot.
Our generous host Debbie greeted us off the course, and we checked into the impressive and imposing hotel that deserves its lofty position looking down on the links – this is a seriously classy property with clearly no expense spared in either the rooms, bar, lobby, spa and pool and restaurants – genuine 5* luxury.
During a superb dinner in the fabulous ‘1906’ restaurant, Turnberry GM Nic Oldham explained that more investment will further enhance the already lavish facilities – it was hard to see where improvements could be made but they are not standing still here and getting complacent.
We rounded off a great evening with a wee dram in the well stocked whiskey bar….
After a sound nights sleep and full Scottish breakfast including haggis and black pudding, the legendary Ailsa course awaited the MASHIE protagonists – and what a golf course…!
The beauty of the Ailsa played off the yellows (only 6134 yards) meant it wasn’t a tough, long slog but a joyous amble through rumpled links fairways, revetted bunkers and natural dunes making it so easy on the eye and a genuine links test made tougher depending on strength and direction of the wind.
There were so many standout holes, the halfway house is inside the famous lighthouse next to the 9th green (did I mention my birdie 2 here…?) and today the reimagined Ailsa is perched along the windswept cliffs, gazing out across the Firth of Clyde offering one of the most spectacular and dramatic golf settings in the world.
The blend of history, natural beauty, magnificent service and facilities on an Open worthy Championship course made for an unforgettable experience that I urge anybody with a love for the game goes and experiences at least once in their life.
Please contact me if you want to discuss further…as options for accommodation include the beautiful self-contained villas, just a short drive from the main hotel and at a fraction of the price – ideal for a family or small group of friends meaning there are different price options available.
A huge thanks to all the team at Trump Turnberry for their generosity and hospitality especially Debbie MacMillan who was the perfect host..!
Regards,
Dan Jackson
Partner Club Director
[email protected]
