Play the Ailsa Course (tbc) at Turnberry.   You can’t rush perfection, Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is proof.  It was established in 1902, modified in 1906, modified again in 1909, redesigned in 1938 then nearly disappeared after the Second World War when it was converted into an airbase with several holes flattened into concrete runways. It was restored and reopened in 1951 as one of Scotland’s finest links to the extent it hosted The Open for the first time in 1977 when Tom Watson’s 65-65 weekend beat Jack Nicklaus’ 65-66.  MacKenzie & Ebert made extensive alterations before The Open in 2009 then Ebert returned for a major update in 2015.  The result is spectacular, particularly but by no means limited to holes 9-11 that play across and along the bay atop rock outcrops on the left; dunes, pot bunkers and high fescue on the right.  The club’s famous lighthouse includes an incredible two-bedroom suite and one of the most memorable halfway houses in golf.

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Your Itinerary

The world renowned Trump Turnberry overlooks Scotland's South West Ayrshire coast. Contained within 360 acres this luxury hotel, golf and leisure resort with few equals in the world. Turnberry's spectacular Ailsa course was chosen for The Open in 1977, 1986, 1994 and 2009. The Hotel was built at the turn of the century and underwent a complete renovation, restoration and remodeling of all guestrooms, suites, corridors, restaurants and public spaces that was completed in June 2016. The famous Ailsa Course was also overhauled with significant changes made to the links, including incredible improvements from holes 9 to 11. The changes are set to further enhance its reputation as one of the finest links courses in the world. Turnberry has a lavish Spa, with indoor and outdoor amenities, which reopened in 2017. Nearby are riding stables, sea and river fishing, rough shooting, stalking, and trap shooting.

Play Royal Troon (tbc).   Royal Troon is a course in the current Open rota.  Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Tom Weiskopf (his only win in a major) have won here as did Henrik Stenson whose Sunday round of 63 outlasted Phil Mickelson’s 65 to claim The 145th Open.  It is a long links course but it is consistently praised for its testing but fair set up. Troon boasts both the longest and the shortest holes among Open venues, being the “Postage Stamp” 8th at 126 yards, and the 6th at 601 yards named “Turnberry”.  The layout gives you a chance to find your game with a gentle opening but the inward nine is considered one of the most difficult sides in major championship golf.

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Click here to watch how to play the Postage Stamp

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Today play Carnoustie  (tbc).  The first record of golf played on this links land dates to 1527.  In 1842, a 10-hole course was designed by Alan Robertson followed by an 18-hole course by Old Tom Morris in 1857.  James Braid extended the layout in 1926 which is essentially the links found today. While it is relatively flat, Carnoustie is exposed to the elements. A combination of length and accuracy are required as golfers face narrow corridors from the tee while approach shots demand precision to greens heavily guarded by steep bunkers and burns. Arguably the toughest finishing holes in championship golf are found here highlighted by the par-4, 476 yard 14th and the 245 yard par-3 16th. Ben Hogan won The 82nd Open at Carnoustie in 1953. Tom Watson and Gary Player also hoisted the Claret Jug here as has Padraig Harrington and mostly recently Francesco Molinari in 2018.

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Your Itinerary

The 5-star Fairmont St Andrews is located on the outskirts of St Andrews along the road to Crail. Sitting on the summit of a spectacular cliff formation, the hotel and its two championship golf courses have breathtaking panoramic views of the River Tay estuary, the North Sea, the Fife countryside, and the medieval skyline of St Andrews. In addition to the two golf courses on site, you may enjoy the Spa, a haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy a few easy lengths of the 18-metre pool, relax in the  Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Included in your rate is full WiFi internet access in the public rooms and guest bedrooms.

Today play Kingsbarns (tbc). Golf dates to a nine-hole layout here in 1793.  It was commandeered by the military during the Second World War not to reappear until Kyle Phillips took an interest in the late 1990s. His design ushered in the era of “modern classics” when it opened in 2000 looking like it had been there for years.  The terrain is links style perfection with tumbling fairways and sandy soil that produce the fine-bladed fescues which are the cornerstone of fast-and-firm playing surfaces that characterise links golf.  The fairways are spacious, the greens are large, exceptional views of the North Sea are found on every hole.

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Today challenge the Old Course of St Andrews (tbc), the ''Home of Golf''. The Old Course has played host to the greatest golfers and produced many of golf's most dramatic moments. Wide double fairways, seven extensive double greens, and a multitude of intimidating bunkers are just some of the unique features you will encounter. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods each hoisted the Claret Jug here on two occasions. In 1927, Bobby Jones claimed The 62nd Open six years after taking four strokes to escape the Hill Bunker at the 11th and tearing up his scorecard!  No. 17, the “Road Hole”, is always an adventure as is negotiating the Valley of Sin at the short par-4 18th. 

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Learn how to play the famed 17th hole on the Old Course with Colin Dalgleish of PerryGolf click here.

WEBCAST - A Greenside Chat: "The Story of The Inner Workings of The Home of Golf" ~ St Andrews Links Trust

Golf today on the New Course of St Andrews (tbc). Several holes at the oldest ‘new’ course in the world – the New Course opened in 1895 – have been carved through punitive gorse, so accurate tee shots are required. Set beside and in contrast to the Old Course, this Old Tom Morris design includes undulating fairways and puts on display a fine test of links golf. The 17th can be a make-or-break par-3 coming home. It measures 229 yards from the back tees, forcing golfers to combine power and precision to find the green in regulation.  The New is highly regarded among the locals because it is tighter and more defined than the Old. 

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WEBCAST - A Greenside Chat: "The Story of The Inner Workings of The Home of Golf" ~ St Andrews Links Trust