Trump’s Scotland Course Excluded from Hosting Open Championship Due to Commercial ‘Challenges’ | Financial News
Donald Trump’s aspirations to host golf’s Open Championship at his Turnberry course in Scotland will remain unfulfilled until the course meets logistical and commercial standards, according to the governing body of the sport.
Mark Darbon, CEO of the R&A, informed Sky News that Turnberry presents “unique challenges,” and despite speculations of diplomatic influence from London and Washington, there are no current plans to hold a championship at the Ayrshire course.
Mr. Trump has openly expressed his wish to bring the Open back to a course he acquired in 2014, with his son Eric Trump spearheading efforts to host a championship there for the first time since 2009.
Insiders connected to Mr. Trump’s golf ventures have revealed to Sky News that hosting the Open could serve as a significant leverage point in the UK’s trade negotiations with the US. Notably, the King referenced Turnberry in an invitation for a state visit that was delivered by the Prime Minister last month.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A
In his first public interview as chief executive since taking the role last November, Mr. Darbon stated that logistical challenges and funding currently prevent the course from being viable for a modern Open.
“The logistical and commercial aspects are quite challenging. When we last hosted at Turnberry in 2009, we had 120,000 attendees,” he noted.
“Today, a contemporary Open caters to over 250,000 spectators, necessitating robust road and rail infrastructure to accommodate our fans. Additionally, we require hotel accommodations for approximately 60,000 bed nights to successfully host our championship, which poses a significant challenge at this venue.”
Mr. Darbon acknowledged the existence of pressure to consider Turnberry, pointing out that political factors and the potential for Mr. Trump to overshadow any event are also concerns.
“We must ensure that the focus remains on the sport and confirm that the venue meets our needs,” he added.
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A man was charged over the vandalism of a golf course owned by Mr. Trump last week. Pic: PA
Competition for Turnberry could intensify from larger, more accessible venues.
The R&A selects Open locations from a rotation of courses, with Royal Portrush hosting this year’s championship after a highly successful return following a 70-year absence in 2019. Mr. Darbon confirmed that Portmarnock near Dublin is being actively evaluated for the first-ever Open outside the UK.
Maximizing revenue from the Open is essential, as the R&A, which oversees the game globally except in the US, utilizes the income to support grassroots initiatives that are currently thriving after a post-COVID resurgence.
Donald Trump playing golf at his Turnberry course. Pic: PA
“We collaborate with over 140 countries worldwide, and within those markets, we have more than 62 million golfers, the highest number ever,” Mr. Darbon remarked.
“Approximately 40 million players are engaging with traditional 9 and 18-hole courses, while an additional 20 million participate in non-traditional golf formats like driving ranges, adventure golf, and simulator golf. Hence, the sport is thriving, and we are committed to nurturing and supporting it continually.”
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He is also hopeful that a resolution may soon be reached regarding golf’s trade conflict, which exists between the US PGA Tour and the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league, a significant divide in the men’s professional game that has benefited many players but alienated several fans.
“There has been excessive focus on finances, rather than on competition and the many other excellent aspects that underlie our sport. We remain optimistic about potential positive changes in this arena. Although we are not in a negotiation capacity, our role is to influence those discussions,” he explained.
Mr. Trump’s ambitions to host the Open at Turnberry remain unfulfilled. Pic: PA
The Open and other major golf championships, including next month’s Masters, have benefitted from this rivalry as they are now the sole platforms for all top male players. Mr. Darbon asserts that the sport still holds significant commercial value for businesses and sponsors.
“I believe golf continues to attract commercial interest, and various factors support that,” he stated.
“The game boasts a rich heritage, with strong values. Businesses can craft compelling narratives around golf that resonate with their own products and services. Furthermore, golf enjoys a genuinely global audience.”
Among them is the world’s most powerful man, whose ambitions to host the Open remain unrealized.
