Donald Trump has unveiled the new £6.5m clubhouse at his Trump Turnberry resort, describing it as ‘the world’s most impressive 19th hole’.
The 68-year-old American billionaire has upgraded every aspect of the historic clubhouse, including a vastly extended pro shop, which has doubled in size to 3,600 sqaure feet, a new East-facing balcony, as well as a new ‘Duel in the Sun’ restaurant which pays homage to Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson’s legendary battle for The Open Championship in 1977 on the Ailsa Course. The locker rooms have also received the traditional Trump makeover, complete with gold and mahogany fittings, and gold taps in the washrooms.
A replica of the claret jug also now sits outside the restaurant, which has been themed as a steak and lobster theme, although all the other traditional golfer’s favourite foods are catered for.
Trump’s son Eric has overseen the clubhouse project with the resort’s general manager Ralph Porciani. Speaking at the opening, Trump Snr commented: “Our vision for Turnberry is to make this unique and special place the finest golf resort in the world. With the work we’ve carried out on the clubhouse, it is on track to becoming the world’s most impressive 19th hole. I would like to thank the members for their support for all our plans here at Turnberry, including the plans for the Ailsa and Kintyre which will bring the courses and the facilities to world leading standards.”
The renovation of the clubhouse completes the first phase of a two-year upgrade to Trump Turnberry, which began last year and includes dramatic improvements to the Ailsa course, a rebuilding of the Kintyre course, and a makeover of the hotel. All of this work will begin in October.
