Turnberry Course Seeks Alternative Prestige as Open Championship Host

Donald Trump’s golf footprint in Scotland continues to grow, with the US president’s Turnberry course seeking alternative prestige as the world’s oldest major championship remains out of reach. Despite Trump’s championing of Turnberry as a potential Open Championship host, the course’s lack of adjacent infrastructure makes it unfit for the event. The Ayrshire venue, which Trump has lavished praise on during recent visits, is simply incapable of hosting the Open in its present form.

However, the Scottish Open, currently based at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian, may soon find a new home at Turnberry. This could be a mutually beneficial arrangement, allowing Trump to secure a portion of the profile and kudos he desires for Turnberry, one of the world’s most outstanding golf courses. The Scottish Open’s current base at the Renaissance Club, while convenient, may not be the best fit for the event. The course’s layout has been criticized by golfers for being too challenging, and the venue lacks the prestige and history that Turnberry would bring.

The European Tour Group, which has proven adept at navigating challenging sporting waters, has been instrumental in navigating the complexities surrounding Turnberry’s hosting of the Scottish Open. The group has also facilitated the DP World Tour’s Nexo Championship at Trump Aberdeen, which has taken place with little fanfare. The tournament, which is being held at the same venue as the Legends Tour, has been seen as a way for Trump to quietly increase his golfing footprint in Scotland.

The stakes are set to be raised, with Doonbeg, now Trump Ireland, being considered to stage the Irish Open as early as 2026. The venue boasts stunning location and hotel accommodation, making it a strong alliance for the event. The Irish Open has traditionally been held at venues such as Royal County Down and Ballybunion, but Doonbeg’s unique combination of links golf and luxurious amenities makes it an attractive option.

The Scottish government has contributed £180,000 of public money to the Nexo Championship, further raising the stakes. This investment has been seen as a way for the government to support the tourism industry and promote golf in Scotland. However, the move has also been criticized by some as a form of public subsidy for Trump’s golf empire.

Meanwhile, the European Tour Group’s chief executive, Guy Kinnings, has been seen attending functions with Trump and was present at the opening of the president’s New Course on the Menie Estate. Kinnings has been instrumental in facilitating Trump’s golfing ambitions in Scotland, and his close ties to the president have raised questions about the impartiality of the European Tour Group.

Turnberry’s current base at the Renaissance Club, while convenient, may not be the best fit for the Scottish Open. The course’s exceptional, true links courses, including Turnberry, may be better suited to hosting the event. The R&A will give the Open an overdue return to Muirfield at some point, making it logistically impossible to stage the previous week’s Scottish equivalent at a course which is basically next door. A switch to the west coast, such as Turnberry, would make perfect sense at that point.

As Trump continues to expand his golf empire in Scotland, it remains to be seen how this will impact the country’s golfing landscape. Will Turnberry become the new host of the Scottish Open, or will another venue take its place? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Trump’s golfing ambitions in Scotland are far from over.