The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) ‘s decision to keep the Open Championship away from Turnberry has been one of the most contentious topics in modern golf. Once a revered venue that hosted some of the sport’s greatest duels, Turnberry’s fall from the Open rota is a direct consequence of its controversial ownership.
Turnberry Stays Locked Away From British Open
The History of Turnberry
Turnberry, located on Scotland’s rugged Ayrshire coast, has long been regarded as one of the finest Open venues. First hosting the championship in 1977, it quickly became legendary when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled in what was dubbed the “Duel in the Sun.” Watson’s one-shot victory after four days of sensational golf cemented Turnberry’s place in history.
The course would go on to host the Open three more times—in 1986, 1994. Most recently in 2009, when Stewart Cink defeated a 59-year-old Watson in a playoff, denying the veteran a fairy-tale ending. Little did the golfing world know it would be the last time history was made at Turnberry for a very long time.
Donald Trump – Turnberry Connection
Despite its rich history and stunning links layout, Turnberry has been absent from the Open rota since 2009. The primary reason? It is associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
In 2014, Donald Trump purchased Turnberry and invested millions in upgrading the resort and course, renaming it Trump Turnberry. While his financial contributions improved the facilities and infrastructure, his controversial political career and public statements created a major dilemma for the R&A, which has always sought to distance itself from political entanglements.
For years, the R&A remained tight-lipped about Turnberry’s future, neither confirming nor denying its return. However, in 2021, the organization officially stated that Turnberry would not host the Open “for the foreseeable future.” While the statement did not mention Trump by name, it was widely understood that his ownership was the primary obstacle. The R&A emphasized that their priority was to ensure the Open’s venues remained free from distractions that could overshadow the championship itself.
Current Debate
Last Thursday, Trump met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He lobbied for his course to once again be a host of the Open. But Mark Darbon, the new CEO of the R&A, expressed that the reasoning for Turnberry’s absence is much more than Trump himself.
“We need a venue that is appropriate from both logistical and commercial perspective,” Darbon said. “That’s crucial for us, because through the Open, we generate most of our revenue and we use that to invest in the rest of the game all around the world. So the reality is that modern-day Open requires a venue that can support us logistically and commercially.
Trump’s response was characteristically defiant. He argued that Turnberry was the best Open venue in the world and that keeping it out of the rotation was a political decision rather than a golfing one. Many of his supporters echoed this sentiment. Claiming that the R&A was bowing to political pressure rather than focusing on the sport.
The Road Ahead
Despite the controversy, the R&A has remained steadfast. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Its governing body is acutely aware of the importance of protecting its brand. Turnberry’s absence means the tournament will continue to rotate among venues such as St Andrews, Royal Troon, Muirfield, and Royal Birkdale. Each have hosted the event multiple times.
While some golf purists lament Turnberry’s exile, others acknowledge that the R&A is in a difficult position. Hosting the Open at a venue so closely associated with Trump would undoubtedly invite political distractions, media scrutiny, and potential backlash from players, sponsors, and fans alike. The R&A’s decision reflects its desire to keep the focus on golf rather than external controversies.
Whether Turnberry will ever return to the Open rota remains uncertain. Some believe that a change in ownership could reopen the door, while others argue that the damage has been done, and the R&A will be reluctant to revisit the issue anytime soon. Until then, Turnberry, with its breathtaking coastline and historic battles, remains a course admired from afar but absent from the championship it once helped define.
