6 days Ago By The Telegraph
The Government sought an explanation from the R&A on why Donald Trump is yet to secure his dream of hosting The Open Championship at Turnberry. “Logistical challenges” were explained to Whitehall after Telegraph Sport detailed how – aside from Trump’s controversial personality – the relatively low income of the venue is a factor. The Trump family have made no secret of their hopes to bring the tournament back to the Scottish course, which was acquired by the US president in 2014 .
Trump proudly referenced his ownership of the famous Ayrshire links during a joint press conference alongside Sir Keir Starmer at the White House in February. So too did King Charles in his letter to Trump , delivered in person by Starmer, which as well as inviting the 78-year-old to stage an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, also implored him to spend time with him at the nearby Dumfries House, “when you are next visiting Turnberry”. Whitehall representatives are known to have contacted the R&A in recent months to establish the body’s position on Turnberry.
Sources close to discussions dismissed suggestions, however, that ministers are placing any pressure on organisers. Another insider said the R&A described the conversation as “conciliatory”. A spokesman for the R&A said: “We regularly engage with Government and local government regarding venues.
We have explained the logistical challenges around Turnberry to the Government and they are aware of the position.” Mark Darbon, the recently installed R&A chief executive, indicated to Telegraph Sport on Friday that the governing body would not be swayed by any Government requests to appease Trump. “At the core of our decision making will be the factors that have served us well in the past and we hope will continue to serve us well into the future,” he said.
Darbon’s predecessor, Martin Slumbers, continued to give a clear reason why Turnberry – the course that hosted the legendary 1977 “ Duel in the Sun ” Open and most recently the 2009 event at which a 59-year-old Tom Watson almost reprised his glory from 32 years before – was not being considered for the British major, despite remaining on the official roster. “We will not be taking events there until we’re comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf,” Slumbers emphasised to Telegraph Sport as recently as November. The door is not closed to Turnberry securing an Open, even if it is almost impossible to see it hosting the British major until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029.
For their part, the Trump family insist they are ready for the honour and that despite any concerns over the size of the crowd, will produce a memorable week. “Turnberry is considered by all to be the best golf course in the world by the players, the writers, the spectators, and the entire golfing community,” Eric Trump, the president’s son, said in a statement to Telegraph Sport . “If we get the call, and I sincerely hope we do, I promise the R&A that we will be the best hosts the Open Championship has ever seen.
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