The famous Ailsa Course is the one that has hosted four memorable Open Championships, including the "Duel In the Sun" between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977, and in 2009 when Stewart Cink outlasted sentimental favorite Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff.

The resort was purchased by real estate developer Donald Trump in April of 2014. On September 27, 2015, the course will temporarily close for a major rebuild and partial restoration of the original Willie Fernie design from 1901. English golf architect Martin Ebert will oversee the design and reconstruction. Turnberry will then reopen in June of 2016.