As a traveling golf writer, I'm always keeping my ear to the ground for the latest course news. Lately I've been hearing rumors that Turnberry's world-renowned Ailsa links in Scotland will take over the top spot for costliest green fees starting next year.

It's worth noting that Turnberry hosted its last Open Championship back in 2009, after which then-businessman Donald Trump would go on to purchase the historic property in 2014.

Of course, Trump's divisive tenure as U.S. President likely played a major role in the R&A's decision to stop awarding the event there, as former CEO Martin Slumbers alluded to in his 2022 comments. It's understandable the organization wants to avoid any political distractions from their flagship Championship.

Reports say weekend morning rounds will set you back a cool £1,000 in high season - that's around $1,276.52 USD at today's exchange rate. Hard to believe, right?! But it will just barely edge past the lofty $1,250 you pay to sneak onto Shadow Creek here in Las Vegas. Of course, Shadow Creek only lets MGM hotel guests play, so Turnberry is cooking up a more generous package deal if you stay at their resort.

Now, I've had the pleasure of testing my game on the celebrated Ailsa layout before. Let me tell you - it's true links golf heaven, with beautiful seaside views and undulating fairways that have hosted four Open Championships. No doubt it's worth every penny. And General Manager Nic assures me the full resort experience will cost less than the £1,000 green fee alone.

“Staying in the hotel and playing the Ailsa will come in some way under £1,000, so it’s better value to do it that way,” Turnberry's general manager Nic Oldham told Bunkered. “That’s better for the golfer, because they’re getting a full five-star experience, but it’s also better for Turnberry."

As UKGolfGuy pointed out, twilight rounds after 1PM will be nearly half the morning rate at £545. And if you're willing to spend a night or two on site, General Manager Nic assures guests will see an even lower green fee.

Some 2025 green fee news.

18 holes on the Ailsa course at Turnberry will cost £1,000 a person for non-residents before 1pm. After 1pm, £545.

In 2013, the year before Trump took over, it was £176 at any time.

I think this is pertinent given what’s proposed at Carnoustie…

1/2 pic.twitter.com/wj7ChYfLYa

— UK Golf Guy (@ukgolfguy) August 11, 2024

You've gotta hand it to Turnberry for truly living up to its storied legacy with this green fee increase. As many golf fans will remember, that course has seen more thrilling Open drama unfold than perhaps any other - none more legendary than Watson edgeing out the Jack Nicklaus in '77 "Duel In The Sun"

I still get chills thinking back to when I watched it live as a young fan just starting to get into the game. And obviously Turnberry holds a special place in many hearts for hosting Tom Watson's stunning charge to the title in 2009 as a 58-year-old, proving age is nothing but a number for the game's greats.

With this newest chapter, Turnberry reminds us it's truly in a league of its own. I suspect Shadow Creek's people are shaking their heads today, knowing full well the gauntlet has been laid down. Expect them to evaluate their own rates in the months ahead. It'll be interesting to see if any other super-private haunts follow suit. But for now, Turnberry sits alone atop the pricey perch - and I'd say they've more than earned it.

Who knows, maybe other exclusive club will up their ante to match Turnberry's tag next. But for now, they can rightfully boast the most expensive course on Earth. Mark my words, I'll be returning to Scotland ASAP for another swing at golf nirvana. Stay tuned for my trip report!