As of October, 2008, Turnberry Resort in Scotland will be owned by Dubai World, the state-controlled investment fund. The resort will close in October to undergo a £25 million upgrade in time to re-open in May, 2009, well before the 138th Open Championship, which will be played on the Alisa Course at the resort in July. A major refurbishment and lengthening of the course to 7,211 yards was recently completed. Plans are in the works for development of luxury golf villas on 300 acres surrounding the resort.
Turnberry has been host to the British Open on three occasions: in 1977, it was the venue for the famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus; in 1986, Greg Norman not only defeated the field but also the wind and rain; and in 1994, Nick Price snatched victory over the last two holes from Jesper Parnevik.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts will continue to operate the property, which will be re-branded from Westin to Starwood’s Luxury Collection.