The Open Championship is one of the highlights of the golfing calender. In 2009, Turnberry will host the tournament for the fourth time over what promises to be another tense and exciting four days of competition.
The Ailsa Course Turnberry
Situated on the Atlantic coast of Scotland, spectacular scenery is abundant at Turnberry. The granite dome of Ailsa Craig, the low form of the tip of Argyll and the peaks of Arran all highlight the changing patterns of light and shade so prominent on the course.
When calm, the course offers healthy scoring opportunities but should the wind rise the exposed cliff-top tees can prove venomous for even the best players in the world.
The first three holes are parallel to each other, ensuring at least one is played into the wind. From the 4th to 11th the course runs south to north along the shoreline and during these holes the prevailing south-westerly can assist the players. The 12th sees the course turn back inland, teasing and weaving in character and direction as it makes its way home to the clubhouse.
There have been changes to yardage and hole construction for the 2009 championship. The course now runs beyond 7,200 yards with 20 fresh bunkers created to place pressure on the increasingly long driving capabilities of the top players.
The most striking change on the Ailsa Course can be found on the final three holes. Once a benign par 4, the 16th now has an extended fairway with its green protected by a burn. If the wind is against, this may prove a very challenging hole to par let alone birdie.
One of the two par 5's on the course, the 17th now runs 560 yards and what was previously considered a reasonable opportunity for eagle, is now a demanding birdie. To aid the cause of climatic drama, the 18th has been made markedly more difficult. The tee now stands to right of the 17th green, resulting in a right to left dogleg to test the nerve of the players on the final leg of their journey home.
The History of Turnberry Golf Course
There have been long lasting links between the emergence of the railway system and the growth of golf courses in the British Isles and Turnberry is no exception. The original course and accompanying hotel were built in the early 20th century by the Glasgow and South Western Railway Company.
Used in both World Wars as landing strips and coastal commands, Turnberry housed planes to protect transatlantic shipping convoys resulting in the loss of much of the original course. Post war the Ailsa Course was redesigned and reopened in 1951.
Tunberry hosted its first Open in 1971, which memorably became known as The Duel In the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Watson finally triumphing by one shot in an epic contest. In 1986 Greg Norman recorded his first open victory and 1994 saw Nick Price pip Jesper Parnevik with a late surge on the back nine.
2009 British Open
The majestic scenery and demanding terrain of the Ailsa Course at Turnberry make the 2009 British Open an event much anticipated in the golfing world. Current champion Padraig Harrington will fight hard to retain his title in what will no doubt be an action packed four days of high quality drama and excitement.
References:
BBC Sport
Open Golf
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