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Trump Turnberry, the US President's resort in South Ayrshire, has opened a new 12-hole par-3 course with holes ranging from 70 to 206 yards.
Known as Trump's Twelve, the course officially opened earlier this week and adds a new option alongside the championship Ailsa course, which last hosted The Open in 2009, and King Robert the Bruce. The cost for visitors to play Trump Twelve, featuring large waste areas and water hazards, is £120.
Built on land previously occupied by the 9-hole Arran course, the new layout has been designed to test short-game skills while remaining accessible to beginners, families and junior golfers. Multiple teeing grounds allow players of different abilities to tackle the same holes from varying distances.
The development forms part of a wider programme of investment at Turnberry, which in recent years has included enhancements to the Ailsa course and the expansion of the resort’s PGA-certified golf academy and practice facilities. Eric Trump, executive vice-president of The Trump Organisation, said the new course completed an already strong collection of golfing experiences at the resort.
“Trump Turnberry continues to set the standard for world-class golf," he said. "The Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce are recognised among the finest championship courses anywhere, and Trump’s Twelve completes an exceptional collection by offering something completely different while maintaining the same commitment to quality.”
The course has been incorporated into the Trump Turnberry Golf Academy, and the plan is that it will have a key role in coaching and player development. Nic Oldham, general manager of Trump Turnberry, said Trump Twelve should appeal to a wide range of players.
“Complementing the Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce, this course is every bit as enjoyable for families, academy guests and experienced players looking to sharpen an important part of their game,” he said.
There are only a handful of 12-hole courses in Scotland, the most famous arguably being Shiskine on the Isle of Arran. The most recent addition prior to the opening of Trump Twelve was the launch last year of Eastwood Twelve.
Golf It opened on the site of the former Lethamhill Golf Course in 2023 (Image: Golf It)
The R&A's beginner-friendly Golf It facility has come under the management of Northwind Leisure Golf three years after opening on the outskirts of Glasgow.
The governing body retains full ownership of Golf It but has handed oversight over to Northwind Leisure. Alyson McKechin will continue to lead the team of staff and the facility will continue to operate under the Golf It brand.
Northwind Leisure Golf Ltd trades as Great Western Golf, which operates a large golf facility in Clydebank, including golf, football, padel tennis, physio and café facilities. Northwind also owns and operates 43 Goals football centres and four Soccerworld facilities throughout the UK.
Graeme Twaddle says the scale of business has already eclipsed the club's traditionally busiest periods (Image: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency)
Demand at Royal Dornoch's new clubhouse has surpassed expectations since its opening in December, with food and beverage manager Graeme Twaddle reporting that the scale of business has already eclipsed the club’s traditionally busiest periods.
