THE WESTIN TURNBERRY RESORT TO HOST 2009 BRITISH OPEN
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Congratulations to The Westin Turnberry Resort! As announced by The R&A today, the 138th Open Championship will be returning to Turnberry, Ayrshire from July 16 to 19, 2009, taking place on the resort’s renowned Ailsa Course. As a location, it is unsurpassed for its dramatic seascape as a ‘backdrop’ to the world’s oldest major and as a challenging championship layout — it has produced three winners of the highest caliber.
“We couldn’t be happier that The Open is returning to Turnberry in 2009,” stated Troon Golf® Chairman and CEO, Dana Garmany. “The Ailsa has always been a favorite for players and we’re sure it will continue to be a great challenge for the 138th Championship.”
The year 1977 will be remembered for its ‘Duel in the Sun’ when Tom Watson won by the narrowest of one shot margins after both he and Jack Nicklaus halved the 72nd hole in birdies; Greg Norman, the Champion in 1986, remembered for his record second round of 63 after opening with a 74, and Nick Price in 1994, remembered not only for his outrageous putt on the penultimate hole, but also for his titanic struggle against Jesper Parnevik, in second place.
Turnberry’s General Manager Stewart Selbie said; “This announcement consolidates years of work and co-operation between The R&A, South Ayrshire Council and ourselves. I am thrilled for everyone on the Turnberry team who has worked on this. In my six years here so many of the world’s best golfers have told me that they enjoy coming to Turnberry as one of the best Open venues in the world.”
“This is not only a great story for Turnberry as we move into our centenary year in 2006, but for the whole of Ayrshire, which will again become the center of the golfing universe in July 2009.”
The Ailsa is regularly acknowledged as one of Britain’s top three courses as well as consistently being ranked in the world’s top 20 courses. With spectacular views sweeping across the Irish Sea to the Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre with the picturesque lighthouse on the horizon, the Ailsa will provide a magnificent and memorable setting for this championship and reinforces Turnberry’s reputation as one of the greatest Open Championship venues.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 185 courses located in 29 states and 18 countries. Additionally, 31 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include The Peninsula Golf & Country Club, Millsboro, Del.; The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland; The Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Lake of Isles, North Stonington, Conn.; The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Castle Rock, Colo.; Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve, Portugal; Palmilla Golf Club, Los Cabos, Mexico; and The Grove, London, England.