Trump’s Turnberry Course Still Hopes to Host The Open Again, Says Eric Trump
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Weakly Right-Leaning
Why: Emphasis on Donald Trump’s personal merits, portrayal of political decisions as unfair, and dismissal of environmental concerns reflects mild right-leaning framing.
What’s Happening
Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump and executive in the Trump Organization, told BBC Sport that Trump’s Turnberry golf course “deserves” to host The Open Championship again. Turnberry, located in Ayrshire, Scotland, last hosted the major golf tournament in 2009, before the Trump family acquired the resort in 2014.
Despite its reputation as one of the best golf courses in the world, Turnberry has not been included in recent Open host site announcements. Venues for the tournament beyond 2027 have not yet been confirmed.
Politics and Golf
Eric Trump claimed political considerations have played a key role in Turnberry’s exclusion from the Open rota in recent years.
“The elephant in the room was, frankly, politics,” Eric Trump said.
He asserted that his father’s long-standing support for the game of golf should count in his favor.
Trump has owned Turnberry since 2014, but the R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), which organizes The Open, has distanced itself from the venue amid political concerns, particularly during Trump’s presidency.
In 2021, the R&A indicated the course would not return to the rota as long as Donald Trump remained associated with it, citing concerns about public distraction.
R&A’s Position
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon reiterated recently that Turnberry remains in the pool of eligible venues, but logistical challenges remain.
Darbon pointed to “big logistical issues” including roads, rail access, and accommodation in the area.
Despite this, Eric Trump insisted: “The actual infrastructure... is really second to none.”
He maintained that Turnberry could host the Open “tomorrow” and called it “impeccable.”
Eric Trump on Future Prospects
Eric Trump believes Turnberry will eventually return to the Open rota, and that Donald Trump will likely no longer be in office by then.
“Chances are by the time an Open comes back around, his time in government will be gone,” Eric Trump said.
Donald Trump’s second term, if reelected, would end in early 2029.
No host venues have been confirmed for Opens beyond 2027.
He added that Turnberry would win back its place “based on the merits of it being the greatest golf course on earth.”
Trade, Politics, and Speculation
Eric Trump rejected any claims that the Open’s return to Turnberry could be linked to U.S.–UK trade negotiations or political influence.
“That question isn’t serious,” he said when asked if the event was part of any broader diplomatic deal.
He emphasized that the decision lies solely with the R&A, not political leaders.
“My father puts the interest of America above any golf course,” he added.
Earlier this week, Donald Trump hosted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Turnberry during a visit to Scotland. Starmer declined to comment on the Open’s venue selection, saying: “The decision on The Open is not a decision for me.”
Business and Development
The Trump Organization recently opened a new 18-hole golf course at their resort near Balmedie in Aberdeenshire. The development adds to the existing Trump golf portfolio in Scotland.
Eric Trump called the new course “probably the last links course that will ever be built in the UK.”
The family’s Scottish resorts, while not yet profitable, are described as personal and legacy projects.
“If we spent $100 million and never got a penny back, it doesn’t make any difference,” Eric Trump said.
The Scottish government is contributing £180,000 in public funding to support the DP World Tour’s Nexo Championship at the Trump-owned Balmedie course next month.
Environmental Criticism
The Trumps’ developments in Scotland have faced opposition from environmental groups and some local residents.
Critics argue the golf projects have negatively impacted local ecosystems.
Eric Trump dismissed the criticism, saying the organization has “brought economic development to Scotland.”
“It’s freaking laughable,” he said of those who doubted the projects' value to the community.
Final Note
While Turnberry remains in contention to host The Open again, its return appears uncertain. Infrastructure concerns and the lingering influence of Trump’s political career continue to weigh on the decision. However, Eric Trump remains confident that the course’s quality will ultimately secure its place once more in golf’s most prestigious tournament.
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