The (British) Open Golf Championship Series – The Ailsa Course at Turnberry
In the world of golf there’s no such thing as the “British” Open Championship – not officially, anyway. There’s the Open Championship, which is played in England, Scotland and once in Ireland, and there’s the U.S. Open Championship.
You don’t often see the word “British” in print referring to the Open Golf Championship in Britain. That’s because it’s the original Open Championship, established long before the U.S. version. To avoid confusion the U.S. Open is identified as such, but tradition demands that the words “The Open” refer to the British championship.
Turnberry Hotel
I made sure to observe this rule when I received the assignment of photographing the courses that host this event on a rotating basis, including two that are no longer in the rotation – Royal Prestwick (site of the first Open in 1860) and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland (the first and only time the event was not held on the British mainland).
This year the Open returns to Scotland, and one of its most fabled links venues: Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, located on the west coast about 2 hours South of Glasgow.
Historic Turnberry
Turnberry began as the property of a railway company over a hundred years ago, and the ensuing century has seen its 5-star grand hotel converted into a barracks during WWII, with the golf course itself used as a wartime airfield. Course architect Mackenzie Ross was commissioned to redesign the Ailsa course in 1951, and the result has drawn worldwide acclaim – Ailsa is now considered the #1 course in Great Britain.
Ailsa #10 from the green looking back
More manicured than most Scottish courses, this coastal stretch of holes intermingles turbulent dunes and rocky crags, which frame views of the imposing Turnberry lighthouse, a stoic witness to the many seafarers who have come to watery graves off the rugged coastline. It’s even said the lighthouse foundation at the water’s edge houses ruins of a hideout Robert the Bruce used to evade the soldiers of King Edward “Longshanks” of England.
The Duel in the Sun
The Ailsa hosted its first Open in 1977 and produced arguably the best Major championship finish ever. Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus by one stroke in a contest that would be immortalized as the “Duel in the Sun.” (Note: The Golf Channel occasionally revisits this classic piece of golf history – still worth watching even though you know the result.)
Ailsa #12 from the tees and #11 to the right
I have two images in my collection to commemorate this year’s Open – Turnberry Ailsa#10, and what may be one of my most unusual images, taken from the tee box of #12 overlooking #11 green. Each offers a most suitable remembrance of this year’s contest for the Claret Jug, even if I do say so myself.
The Hotel – a “Must Stay”
I stayed at the Turnberry hotel when I photographed the course and I must say I felt like royalty… causing me to invoke my “if you come you must stay” recommendation. Adorned with spectacular ocean views and scenic links vistas, these accommodations immerse every guest in comfort and luxury, with elegant dining opportunities to match. Everything about Turnberry is world-class!