Bruce's Castle (9th) The Ailsa, Turnberry; chosen by Peter Oostershuis
Last Updated: 12/07/16 9:26am
The course
With the sea by your side and that famous lighthouse in the distance, there are few courses in the world that can match The Ailsa at Turnberry for beauty or excitement.
A long time ago I was playing a pro/celebrity match at Turnberry. Johnny Mathis, the magical singer, was in the group and when we reached that hole, with such a great view of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, he burst into song ... 'You can see forever and ever'!! A very special memory of a fantastic course!
Peter Oostershuis, PGA Tour Professional
Regarded as one of the best links golf courses in the world, the Ayrshire course gained international importance after the famous Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson during the 1977 Open. The scenic beauty of the Ailsa Course is unrivalled with the dome of Ailsa Craig, Argyll and the Isle of Arran on the horizon. It's not only the world's best that can enjoy a round here. Every year, thousands of golfers of all abilities enjoy the thrill of playing an Open Championship course that's open to all.
The hole
The spectacular par four 9th hole, named Bruce's Castle, because you can see the remains of Robert the Bruce's former castle from the tee, requires an accurate tee shot. With the help of a prevailing wind, you don't always need to hit a driver on this hole as accuracy is much more important than distance. The fairway is notoriously hard to hit as it tends to throw balls left or right depending on where they land. Missing the fairway can leave a difficult approach shot from an awkward lie. The perfect tee shot will leave a shot of only some 140 yards. The approach shot must be accurate as getting up and down from around this green is a daunting task. A large mound on the left side of the putting surface can make a putt from the front of this green extremely difficult.
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Golf in Ayrshire & Arran
The fairways of Ayrshire & Arran are steeped in prestige and rightly so. On a windy Wednesday morning in 1860, eight sportsmen stepped out onto the greens at Prestwick in what was the start of professional golf as we know it today.
Start your golfing adventure by following in the footsteps of golfing legends at the current Open Championship courses at Turnberry and Royal Troon, located within a few miles of each other. The Open returned to Ayrshire & Arran in 2009 at Turnberry's Aisla course, cementing its reputation for stunning, world-class golf. A short ferry ride away, Arran is a golfer's paradise with seven golf courses boasting stunning scenery on every fairway. For something a bit different, perhaps try the unique 12-hole Shiskine course.
For information on golf in Ayrshire & Arran's courses and great value for money golf click here.
19th hole and beyond
A truly Scottish icon, the Turnberry Resort enjoys a spectacular coastal setting with breathtaking views of the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Irish Sea. The resort is set on a stunning 800 acre estate on the west coast of Scotland with much to explore from championship golf and award winning cuisine to family adventures and relaxing spa retreats.
Take the Ferry to the Isle of Arran and sample some of the delicious local produce. Try a selection of the Arran Brewery's award winning beers or take a whisky tour at the Arran Distillery and learn the history of the Isle's finest whiskies. For food you are spoilt for choice with a number of quality restaurants showcasing the regions finest ingredients including the cosy Glenisle Hotel, the stunning Auchrannie resort and recently refurbished Douglas Hotel among many others. With so much to see and do you'll be spoilt for choice, to find out more click here.