Turnberry - closed when for Open?

[birdieman]

I will hopefully be golfing in Ayrshire mid June. I know a member at Turnberry who could probably get me on the Ailsa for 'much cheapness' I believe.
However I quickly was deflated by realising they'll have to close the course for The Open in mid July, won't they?

Question is does anyone know how long before the Open they do close the course? 1 week, 4 weeks, 6 weeks - what?

If those dreadful mats are involved I'd rather leave it this year and play one of the other good links like Barassie, Prestwick, Wester Gailes or Troon (way too expensive) instead.

Anyone suggest which is the best links in that area for under £100 a game if possible? Never played in that area before.

 

[forefortheday]

I believe it's already closed Birdie.

Birkdale closed an absolute age before last years and I think they are re-jigging bits of the course for The Open.

 

[birdieman]

I believe it's already closed Birdie.

Oh well, maybe 2010 then!

 

[thecraw]

The new owners of Turnberry have already closed the course. They consulted Geg Norman and asked him what they could do to make Turnberry 2009 the best Open venue their has ever been in terms of set up and quality. Norman told them to shut the course and allow no play on it untill after the Open.

Thats exactly what they did and the members were up in arms. The new owners told them tough cookies and told them they could go else where if they didnt like it. I believe that they have since relented slightly and are allowing play twice before the open, the Spring meeting and A.N. other competition which has historical importance to the Turnberry members.

My cousin is a member at Turnberry and he believes that it wont be long until the members are told bye bye, we are turning this into a world exclusive club.

I am also upset as my yearly games at Turnberry look likely to go up in smoke!!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

 

[Dodger]

Go to Troon Darley,lochgreen or Fullarton,good courses for a fraction of Royal Troon price.West Kilbride is a super course not to far away and not overly pricey but I would be tempted to push the boat out and play Western Gailes....simply superb but at a price.

 

[toyboy54]

Birdieman...what about Irvine Bogside(Open qualifier course)
Don't know the costs tho'.Check out Visitscotland,they have all details of all courses in Alba!

JIM