Eric Trump Meets R&A Officials Over Turnberry Talks

According to recent reports, R&A officials have held discussions with Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding the potential return of The Open Championship to the iconic Turnberry resort in Scotland. Owned by the Trump Organization since 2014, the course has not hosted the tournament since 2009.

While the meeting indicates that Turnberry is still being considered, officials have emphasized that significant logistical issues continue to pose major obstacles.

Turnberry’s Rich Legacy in The Open

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry, located in Ayrshire, is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest golf courses. It has hosted The Open four times, most recently in 2009, when 120,000 spectators attended the championship.

The course is cherished by fans and professionals alike for its scenic layout and challenging design. Despite being off the rota since its acquisition by the Trump Organization, it has never been officially removed from the R&A’s list of potential venues.

Crowd Sizes Reflect Growing Expectations

Recent editions of The Open reflect a significant growth in attendance. The ongoing championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is expected to draw around 280,000 spectators. In 2024, Royal Troon saw approximately 250,000 fans pass through its gates.

These numbers highlight the growing scale and infrastructure demands of modern Open Championships—demands that Turnberry currently struggles to meet.

Infrastructure Issues Around Turnberry

Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, expressed admiration for Turnberry but acknowledged the venue’s logistical shortcomings.

“We love the golf course and it remains in our pool of venues,” said Darbon. “But there are major logistical concerns, especially in terms of road, rail, and accommodation infrastructure around Turnberry. The scale of the set-up at Royal Portrush highlights the work needed.”

According to Darbon, improving access and infrastructure would be essential if Turnberry is to host The Open again in the future.

Conclusion

While the prospect of The Open returning to Turnberry remains on the table, significant planning and development would be required to accommodate the scale of today’s championship events. The R&A continues to evaluate its options, balancing tradition with the practical demands of modern golf tournaments.

FAQs

Q: Has Turnberry been removed from The Open rota?
A: No, the R&A has confirmed that Turnberry remains in its pool of potential venues.

Q: When was the last Open Championship held at Turnberry?
A: The last Open at Turnberry was in 2009.

Q: Why hasn’t The Open returned to Turnberry since Trump purchased it?
A: While not officially due to ownership, significant logistical concerns—such as transport and accommodation—are cited by the R&A.

Q: What kind of improvements would be needed?
A: Enhanced road access, rail links, and expanded accommodation options would be required to host the growing number of spectators.

Q: Is there a timeline for a decision?
A: No official timeline has been given; discussions are ongoing.