Senior officials have approached golf bosses to discuss the possibility of hosting the 2028 Open Championship at Donald Trump’s Turnberry course, following multiple requests from the U.S. president.
Discussions and Lobbying for Turnberry’s Potential Host Role
Whitehall officials have asked the R&A, the organization behind the Open Championship, about the feasibility of holding the 2028 Open at Turnberry. While some see this as direct lobbying, others claim the discussions were more about understanding potential challenges, rather than making an outright demand.
Government Efforts to Support Trump’s Request
Sources indicate that the UK government is making every effort to build closer ties with President Trump. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has been active in pushing for Turnberry to host the championship, though both the DCMS and Trump Turnberry have declined to comment on the matter.
Trump’s Persistent Lobbying
President Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of hosting the Open at Turnberry, which has been under Trump Organization ownership since 2014. In 2023, Trump publicly expressed his desire to host the event, stating, “Everybody wants to see the Open championship here.”
Turnberry’s Financial Struggles and Importance to Trump
Hosting the Open could bring much-needed financial relief to SLC Turnberry, the course’s operating company managed by Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. Last year, the company reported a £1.7m loss, following a profit of £571,000 the previous year, which was its only profit in the last decade.
Challenges of Hosting the Open at Turnberry
While Turnberry has hosted the Open before, in 2009, the event has since grown significantly in size. Experts note that while the 2009 Open attracted 123,000 attendees, events at other venues like Royal Troon in 2024 saw over 250,000 spectators. The R&A has traditionally considered a list of prestigious venues for the championship, with Turnberry being one of the potential locations.
Logistical and Commercial Hurdles for Turnberry
The R&A has acknowledged the logistical challenges of hosting the Open at Turnberry. The remote location presents issues with transport, as the course is a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Glasgow and a one-hour drive along a single road. Mark Darbon, the new R&A chief executive, stated last week that Turnberry faces significant commercial and infrastructure challenges, including road and rail access and accommodation for visitors.
Investment Needed for Turnberry’s Upgrades
According to a government minister, substantial investments would be required to improve accessibility and provide sufficient high-quality accommodations in the area. Experts have suggested that Turnberry would need tens or even hundreds of millions of pounds in investment to meet the needs of a major event like the Open.
R&A and Government Discussions Continue
The R&A has been in regular discussions with government officials about the challenges of hosting the Open at Turnberry. The organization has made the logistical issues clear to the government, and they are aware of the situation. The R&A continues to consider the potential for Turnberry to host the Open in the future.
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