UK Government ‘pressuring’ R&A into Turnberry Open return to keep Donald Trump happy

New reports say Senior politicians are now getting involved in Donald Trump’s bid to have The Open back at Turnberry.

Donald Trump has made “repeated requests” to the UK Government to convince the R&A that The Open must return to Turnberry, according to reports.

The resort, which was taken over by the Trump Organization 11 years ago, last hosted the Claret Jug in 2009, when Stewart Cink denied Tom Watson the chance to become golf’s oldest major champion.

The R&A have always made their stance clear, with previous chief executive Martin Slumbers reiterating a number of times that “the tournament’s integrity demands that golf alone commands the spotlight”. His successor, Mark Darbon, meanwhile, says there are a number of logistical obstacles to overcome before The Open can return to that particular corner of Ayrshire.

And while officials at Turnberry insist they will “be ready” when given the green light, there has now been a fresh twist in the saga.

The Guardian has cited sources with knowledge of the discussions who say senior officials within the Government have pressed the R&A about having The Open at Turnberry in 2028 – which, barring a third impeachment for former Apprentice host Trump, is due to be the final year of his time in the White House.

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One described the talks as “direct lobbying”, while others have merely asked about “hypothetical problems with the idea”.

Another said: “The Government is doing everything it can to get close to Trump. One concrete thing is that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have been involved in pushing for The Open to return to Trump-owned Turnberry.”

Other sources have noted that the Trump has asked prime minister Keir Starmer “multiple times” about the situation.

SLC Turnberry, the resort’s operating company which is run by Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr, lost more than $2 million last year, having made $765,000 in 2023 – its only profit since the family took over.