Turnberry, Scotland - A legend by the sea

May 17, 2012 - PRLog -- From the moment we were picked up by private hire car from Glasgow International Airport, we experienced nothing but genuinely friendly, efficient and helpful service.    Ricky, our driver from a local firm used by the Turnberry Resort for airport transfers, was a font of local knowledge, keeping up an interesting commentary during our 45 minute journey. Rangers’ football ground, Souter Johnny’s house and the farm where Rudolf Hess parachuted in whilst on a secret mission during WW2 and was captured by a local farmer, were a few of the places of interest which may well have gone unnoticed without his input.

Rich history

On arrival at the hotel, we were warmly greeted by Jim the doorman, resplendent in full highland dress, who gave us a quick orientation. The hotel and golf course have a rich and varied history which he was keen to share.    All service during our stay was very personalized. The majority of the staff are Scottish and obviously enjoy their work - which shines through in the way they deal with the guests. All queries and requests were speedily and efficiently dealt with.    The main areas of the hotel are reminiscent of the Edwardian era, when it was built, but have been tastefully refurbished with modern touches. My husband and I had a deluxe sea view room, where we could sit and enjoy the view of the first tee on the Ailsa course and across the sea to Ailsa Craig even from the bath, so carefully placed by the window.

“Silver service”

All bars and restaurants in the hotel face the sea and embrace this view. Jim the doorman was especially proud of the Grand Tea lounge, where you can enjoy refreshments such as afternoon tea with charming old-fashioned “silver service” which was a nostalgic reminder of my childhood experiences in my grandparents’ tea rooms.    You can also sit quietly and read or perhaps drink in the view, watching the golfers tee off on the Ailsa course and return from the Kintyre course. Jim said that we were even welcome to sit here in our bath robes as guests are encouraged to relax completely and “feel at home”. The 1906 restaurant (so named because of the date the hotel opened, and the opening time in the evening) has old fashioned elegance, teamed with modern cuisine and the wine list on an iPad.    Just down from the hotel, in the clubhouse is the Tappie Tourie restaurant which serves drinks and light meals. We had a pleasant lunch there overlooking the starter’s hut on the Ailsa course. A shuttle service is available on request or you can walk down the impressive steps or take a more leisurely stroll round the drive.

Long history

At the turn of the twentieth century the Marquess of Ailsa who was the Captain of Prestwick Golf Course, (the location of the 1st Open Championship in 1860) built a private course on his Culzean estate, which in turn put Turnberry on the map.    A crucial point in its history was during the golden age of steam, when the Marquess agreed for the Glasgow & South Western Railway to take over this enterprise, and set up a link with the railways by building an extremely fine station. This was then followed by the construction of the hotel, making this fantastic links course available to visitors from far and wide.    Another piece of fascinating history surrounding this links course, is the fact that around 1939 the whole course was completely transformed beyond recognition by flattening, excavating, concreting and tarmacing  as it became an RAF training base for torpedo and air sea rescue units.
The Ailsa Course
Our first day of golf started ....

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