Trump Turnberry is celebrating new rankings in a list of the world's greatest golf courses. The Ayrshire resort has further strengthened its reputation after both of its championship courses were recognised in Golf Digest's 'World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses 2026-2027' ranking.
Ailsa Course Retains Top 10 Status
The legendary Ailsa course has retained its position among the top 10 elite of world golf at number eight. With more than 120 years of history, the Ailsa remains one of the defining courses in the game. Revered for its spectacular setting on the Ayrshire coast and its championship pedigree, the course has hosted four Open Championships, including the famous 'Duel in the Sun' between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977. The coastline stretch has been further elevated through Martin Ebert's most recent renovation work including the spectacular new seventh and eighth holes.
King Robert the Bruce Surges 46 Places
The King Robert the Bruce course has surged 46 places to number 48, securing a place in the top 50 for the first time following its debut in the top 100 two years ago. The rise represents the biggest climb of any course that featured previously in the acclaimed rankings. The course, which opened in its current form in 2017 following Ebert's complete transformation of the former Kintyre course, has continued to earn acclaim from golfers around the world. Designed to maximise the dramatic coastal landscape across the Turnberry estate, the layout is particularly renowned for its stretch of holes along the Firth of Clyde and around the historic lighthouse. Named after the legendary Scottish king born at Turnberry Castle in 1274, the course has rapidly established itself among the finest modern links courses in the world.
Reactions from Trump Organization and Management
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation, said: 'To see both the legendary Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce recognised as the best courses anywhere in the world is an incredible honour and very well deserved. The transformation of this property has been extraordinary. We have created a world-class experience that respects the incredible history of Turnberry while delivering something truly unmatched in golf. The Ailsa continues to prove why it is one of the most iconic championship courses ever built, and the rise of King Robert the Bruce has exceeded even the highest expectations.'
Nic Oldham, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, added: 'To have two courses recognised among the very best in world golf is a tremendous achievement for everyone at Turnberry and a reflection of the quality and experience we strive to deliver for every guest who visits the resort. For the Ailsa to continue to hold its place among the game's greatest courses is a testament to its enduring brilliance and championship heritage. At the same time, seeing the King Robert the Bruce break into the top 50 for the first time, and record the largest rise of any established course in the ranking, is particularly rewarding. We have always believed the King Robert the Bruce stands alongside the finest modern links courses anywhere in the world, and it is immensely pleasing to see that recognised on such a global stage.'
The strength of the Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce was further reinforced with Golf Digest's 'Best Golf Courses in Scotland' listing, ranking the two courses fourth and 13th respectively.
