Donald Trump, the US President, has made it clear for years that he has one major goal in mind: bringing The Open Championship back to his luxury Scottish golf resort, Turnberry.
Since purchasing the iconic Ayrshire course in 2014, Trump has poured millions into transforming the property into a world-class venue.
But despite his efforts, he has yet to see his dream come to fruition.
The Challenge of Returning The Open to Turnberry
Trump’s ambition to host golf’s oldest major at Turnberry has been met with resistance from the Royal & Ancient (R&A), the organization responsible for The Open.
Although the course has witnessed some legendary showdowns, the R&A is hesitant to bring the tournament back due to logistical and commercial challenges.
In recent comments, Mark Darbon, the new CEO of the R&A, confirmed that there are no plans to include Turnberry in The Open rotation anytime soon, despite growing rumors of political pressure from the UK and US.
The Charm of Turnberry and Trump’s Efforts to Improve It
Turnberry’s allure lies in its stunning setting and challenging layout, a favorite among professional golfers.
The 800-acre property boasts three courses, including the famous Ailsa Course, which has hosted four Open Championships.
Trump’s extensive renovations, overseen by renowned golf architect Martin Ebert, have elevated the course, gaining praise from both amateur and professional players.
Despite this, the R&A argues that the course is no longer suitable for a tournament of The Open’s scale, citing issues such as insufficient transport links and accommodation for the growing number of fans.
The Underlying Controversy Surrounding Trump’s Ownership
Many in the golf world believe that the real issue isn’t Turnberry’s suitability as a venue, but rather the controversy surrounding Trump himself.
Previous R&A CEO Martin Slumbers stated that Turnberry would not be considered until there was certainty that the focus would remain on the golf, not Trump’s presence or political influence.
Golf insiders worry that hosting the event at Trump’s course would overshadow the tournament itself, with one source recalling how Trump’s involvement at the 2015 Women’s Open turned the event into a “circus” rather than a celebration of the sport.
Supporters of Turnberry’s Inclusion in The Open Rota
Despite the challenges, some argue that Turnberry deserves another chance to host The Open.
Sports commentator Dougie Donnelly expressed his disappointment over the decision, calling the course a “magnificent” venue.
Golf commentator Tom Hobbs also believes that Trump’s ownership shouldn’t be a barrier, arguing that many golf courses with controversial histories have hosted major tournaments.
He suggests that Turnberry should be kept in The Open rota and used for smaller-scale events, if not a full-scale tournament.
The Logistics and Accessibility Challenges of Turnberry
One of the main obstacles to hosting The Open at Turnberry is its location.
While only 50 miles south of Glasgow, the resort is difficult to access for many visitors, requiring a combination of trains, buses, and a lengthy drive from the nearest airport.
This, combined with the increased size of The Open’s crowds, makes it challenging for Turnberry to accommodate the thousands of fans and media members that the event attracts.
A Golf Course Steeped in History and Memorable Moments
Turnberry has a rich history in The Open, with memorable moments such as the 1977 “Duel in the Sun” between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, and the 2009 Championship, which saw Stewart Cink win in a dramatic play-off against Tom Watson.
Despite its history, the course is often overlooked in favor of larger, more accessible venues that can handle the growing demand for tickets and amenities.
Golf’s Resurgence and the Rising Popularity of Turnberry
The rise in popularity of golf, fueled in part by the pandemic and the sport’s accessibility through social media, has prompted many to call for a return to the game’s historic venues.
Turnberry, often considered one of the world’s best links courses, remains a favorite among golfers.
However, the resort’s high prices and exclusive nature, such as the introduction of a dynamic pricing system for rounds at the Ailsa Course, have raised concerns about its accessibility to average players.
Trump’s Long-Term Ambition and Political Pressure
Trump’s desire to host The Open at Turnberry is more than just a personal goal—it is a political one.
Over the years, Trump has lobbied both the British and US governments to pressure the R&A into including Turnberry in the tournament’s rotation.
While this hasn’t yet yielded results, his administration’s actions, including the imposition of new tariffs, have sparked discussions about whether granting him his wish could lead to a political advantage for the UK.
The Future of Turnberry and The Open
While Turnberry’s return to The Open roster seems unlikely in the near future, Trump and his team remain optimistic.
The general manager of Trump Turnberry, Nic Oldham, has expressed confidence that the resort will one day host the event again, once the R&A believes the time is right.
In the meantime, Turnberry will continue to evolve and host smaller events, hoping that its iconic Ailsa Course will once again grace the world stage of golf.
