Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course changes, in
close consulation with R and A, unveiled
NEWS RELEASE
The proposed changes to the legendary Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry Resort have been unveiled for
the first time at a press conference hosted today at the world-renowned golf resort owned by Donald J Trump.
In
less than one year after securing ownership, The Trump Organization and
famed golf course architects Mackenzie and Ebert have completed a
meticulous historic study and modern day
review of the Ailsa course, and in close consultation with the R and A,
have revealed plans for extensive but sympathetic changes many of which
have been sought for decades.
The
proposals for the great Ailsa course, which first opened in 1901 and
has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions, will include the
creation of five dramatic and stunning
new holes and a range of alterations covering virtually every corner of
the course which sits on over 1,000 acres.
“Today
marks a very important milestone for Turnberry and we are thrilled to
be officially unveiling a new and exciting future for this spectacular
development. While considering
improvements we have paid close attention to the prospect of staging
future Open Championships.
"In close consultation with the R and A, we
have created an intricate plan which covers every inch of this
magnificent course and will make Trump Turnberry a masterpiece
in golf course design providing the most challenging and spectacular
golf experiences anywhere in the world,” said Donald J. Trump.
“I would
like to thank the R and A for their time and dedication to the delicate
renovation of the Ailsa course.”
Hosting
the press conference Mr Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, Trump
Organisation, made a passionate commitment to make the course the best
it can be. He commented;
“Our
plans are extensive and will offer a new playing experience which will
be unrivalled anywhere in the world. Our main objectives have been to
retain the routing of the course,
but to emphasise the spectacular coastline views.”
The
changes have been created in partnership with Mackenzie and Ebert,
golf architects which currently advise six of the 10 venues on the Open
rota, and were presented today in a digitally
mastered short film which included a “fly through,” illustrating the key
changes.
Mr Martin Ebert, Director of Mackenzie and Ebert, commented;
“There
is huge international respect for the existing course at Turnberry and
therefore these proposals will generate great debate in the golfing
world. We have been very careful
to make an in depth study of the evolution of golf at Turnberry before
making these proposals.
The re-born Ailsa course will create a much
enhanced golfing experience, making even more use of the spectacular
landscape and the iconic historic scenes that make
Turnberry so special.
That, in turn, will lead to even more enjoyable
golf for everyone and further dramatic championships at Turnberry.”
Among
the new changes announced today include the lengthening of the Open
lay-out by 150 yards giving it a total yardage of just over 7,350 yards
which will be a real test, bearing
in mind that there will now be 5 par 3s in the lay-out.
It will retain
its par 70 status for The Open but will increase to 71 for general play
with the 5th hole becoming a par 5.
Five new holes will be created at the 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th
and 14th together with alterations to all other holes
including the reshaping and positioning of bunkers, new tees and green
positions and the softening of green contours to provide for more
options for flag positions.
A summary of the proposed changes to the golf course:
A tougher par 4 1st hole lengthened with new championship tees and a new green and with a wider landing area to encourage more attacking play.
An extension of the par 3 4th hole with a new green.
An extension of the 5th hole at the tee and the green to produce a par 5 for general play but a par 4 for The Open.
A new shortened par 3 6th
hole, played from a series of tees, the most dramatic of which will sit
on the dune bank by the beach, to a new green with danger all around.
A new par 3 9th
hole from the existing tees across the bay to a new green at Turnberry
Point to create one of the most exhilarating par 3s in world golf.
A new lengthened par 5 10th
hole playing around Castle Port Bay with new championship tees
providing a number of options with the driver, the boldest being a 280
yard
carry over the bay. A new green will be pushed back to the site of the
existing 11th tee providing a new elevated position with the ocean as its immediate backdrop.
A new par 3 11th hole will play across rocky coastal inlets to a new green with a beautiful setting offering complete intimacy with the coast.
A new lengthened par 5 14th hole with a new and elevated green on the site of the old 9th fairway offering 180 degree views of the sea.
A new stone bridge over the ‘Wee Burn’ at the par 4 16th hole.
A shorter par 4 17th hole with a new green short of the current green providing more room for a championship grandstand to the rear of the green.
A lengthened and straightened par 4 18th
hole offering a new elevated championship tee position on the dunes
giving golfers a full view of the hotel for their final hole
and for spectators and viewers a perfectly framed scene of players
silhouetted on the horizon with the Turnberry seascape behind.
The
proposals for the course have already been presented in a private
meeting to golf club members to an overwhelmingly positive response.
Additionally,
a £10m upgrade of the clubhouse and new Duel in the Sun restaurant is
currently underway and is planned to open in June 2015, in advance of
the RICOH Womens’ British
Open, which will be the last major tournament to be hosted by the
course in its current form.
Likewise, the 2nd course is being fully redeveloped to the highest standards of golf. It too will be a high calibre tournament quality course.
The newly re-designed Ailsa course will be available for play for the first time in June 2016.
Labels: Golf Development
