One of UK's Best Golf Clubs Hosts British Open

After heavy use as an airfield during the war — the runway can still be seen on the image below — golf course architect, Mackenzie Ross, was commissioned to redesign the Ailsa golf course and it re-opened as the spectacular links you can see today in 1951.

Whichever way you look at the Ailsa Course, it is both spectacular and dramatic in every sense. Whether you're staring down the narrowest of fairways with bunkers either side, or contemplating a 200-yard carry over the rocks to reach a distant target, the course will favour those that make the right decisions in all conditions.

The Ailsa has been closed since November to give greenkeeping staff the opportunity to make improvements to the course which, as well as adding another 247 yards, will serve to place more emphasis on well thought-out and accurate shot-making.

The Ailsa golf course hosted its first Open in 1977 and produced aguably the best Major championship finish that has ever been seen. Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus by one shot in a contest which would become known at the "Duel in the Sun." From that moment on, Turnberry, and its Ailsa Course, would retain a place in the heart of every golf fan.

By British Open Official Backgrounder Information on Ailsa Golf Course.