Bryson DeChambeau throws support behind Donald Trump’s Open bid
Published:
The US president has made no secret of his desire to see golf’s grandest stage return to his Turnberry resort – and he’s got the backing of Bryson DeChambeau…
Bryson DeChambeau has backed his friend Donald Trump to “do his best” in getting The Open back to Turnberry.
The stunning Ailsa course last hosted the annual battle for the Claret Jug back in 2009, when Stewart Cink edged out Tom Watson in a playoff, but the resort has not been part of the R&A’s plans since it was taken over by the businessman-turned-reality TV star-turned-US president.
Former chief executive Martin Slumbers said The Open “will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players, and the course itself”, adding: “We do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances.”
Slumbers’ successor, Mark Darbon, however, has offered fresh hope to Trump, saying that it’s more about “logistical challenge” of taking a tournament that has more than doubled its attendance numbers since it was last there.
DeChambeau, though, would prefer to “look at it as a golf course”.
“It’s one of the best golf courses in the world,” he said after after a 6-under 65 at Royal Portrush on Friday to ensure a spot in the weekend. “I would love for it to be a part of the rotation.”
DeChambeau and Trump have become close in recent months. The pair filmed a video together last July as part of the two-time US Open champ’s ‘Break 50’ YouTube series which has had, he’s keen to note, “15 million views”. DeChambeau also appeared on stage at Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president in November.
And his sentiments regarding Turnberry, it seems, rely mostly on their relationship.
“I haven’t played it,” DeChambeau admitted. “I’ve heard so many great things about it, and anytime you get to play a special historical golf course like that, I think it’s worthy of it for sure.”
As for The R&A’s concerns, DeChambeau believes Trump would “respect what they’re trying to accomplish”.
“I can’t speak on his behalf,” he added, “but what I can say is, knowing him, he’ll do the best job he possibly can, and I know [Trump] won’t let [The R&A] down.”
The next available slot on The Open rota is 2028, with Royal Liverpool set to host next year and St Andrews 12 months later.
For now, though, DeChambeau has two more days to think about at Royal Portrush. It looked like he was heading home early after a disastrous 7-over 78 on Thursday. After signing his scorecard, he refused media requests and stormed straight back to his car.
But seven birdies and a single dropped shot on Friday meant he is very much still in this tournament.
When asked how he felt after his opening round, he joked: “I want to go home!”
He continued: “I woke up this morning and I said, ‘You know what, I can’t give up.’ My dad always told me never to give up, you’ve just got to keep going, and that’s what I did today.
“I was proud of the way I fought back, really persevered through some emotionally difficult moments, and to hold myself together and not get pissed and slam clubs and throw things and all that like I wanted to, I was very proud of myself.”
So what changed between the first and second rounds?
“I didn’t feel like I played any different,” he shrugged. “That’s links golf for you.
“I executed pretty much the same shots as I did yesterday. Today they just went more my way. My wedges were just a fraction better and that was really it. I made a couple more putts, I just really felt like I was rolling it well today. There wasn’t much different. That’s why links golf is the way links golf is.”
-
Bryson DeChambeau has thrown his support behind Donald Trump's bid to get The Open back to Turnberry.
