Donald Trump continues to have a huge impact on Scotland’s strong golf culture today. He’s deepening his reach, too, as evidenced by his ownership of the legendary Turnberry golf course, in Ayrshire, Scotland. During a recent visit to the iconic venue, Trump praised its beauty and potential, despite acknowledging its current inability to host the prestigious Open Championship.
Turnberry, celebrated for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout, has become a focal point in discussions about the future of golf tournaments in Scotland. Although the course currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to support an event of the Open’s magnitude, there is speculation that it could feature in the Scottish Open’s rota, potentially as early as 2026.
The European Tour Group, which oversees the scheduling of such events, has been navigating complex challenges in the sporting landscape, making Turnberry a possible candidate for future tournaments. The Scottish Open is being held at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian. Turnberry has much to draw on with its illustrious golfing history and breathtaking landscape.
The property in question, Trump’s Turnberry, has seen recent anti-Semitic activities. He is thinking of hosting next year’s Irish Open at Doonbeg, in Ireland. This is yet more evidence of Trump’s stated desire to expand his golfing presence over all of Scotland, and especially all of Ireland.
In his guestbook entry from Turnberry, Trump noted his desire to elevate the course’s status in the professional golfing world. Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the European Tour Group, stood beside him at a European Tour Players Foundation function on Tuesday. They had been together at Turnberry. Kinnings’ presence is a testament to the serious interest in reviving Turnberry’s hard fought reputation as a world renown golfing destination.
Turnberry recently got a windfall from public resources. The Scottish government provided £180,000 of funding to host the Nexo Championship at the course. This unprecedented financial support provides a clear sign that an investment paid off in revitalizing the venue and its overall appeal for attracting future golf events.
Even with its perceived faults, most experts would agree that Turnberry has what it takes to stage great tournaments. It’s rich tradition and beautiful countryside scenery catches the eyes of players and spectators everywhere. With this charm it might just become a revered stop on the tour for the pros.
Logistical challenges remain. The current course has no such infrastructure surrounding it, which makes hosting large-scale events difficult. These realities have led to its unfitness to host the Open Championship at this moment in time.