The R&A Responds To Donald Trump Turnberry Claim

The R&A have dismissed the former President's claim that they want Turnberry to return to The Open rota

Trump talks in front of the lighthouse at Turnberry
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Just a few days ago, Donald Trump claimed that The R&A are keen to take The Open Championship back to his Turnberry course for the first time since 2009, with the 45th US President stating: "They want The Open to go back. I can tell you they want to come back."

Now though, The R&A have reportedly quashed his statement, with the organisers of The Open Championship dismissing the claims, with their stance not changing to that of a few years ago, when the organisation stated they "had no plans to stage any of our championships at Turnberry and will not do so in the foreseeable future”.

Perks Of Winning The Open

Prior to Trump purchasing Turnberry back in 2014, the course was on The Open rota and last staged an Open Championship back in 2009, when Tom Watson famously came so close to securing the Claret Jug at the age of 59.

Ranked as one of the best courses in Scotland, as well as number four in our latest Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland list, Trump stated that "it is rated the number one course in Europe now. We did a big surgery on Turnberry and it has gotten great reviews, even from people who hate me."

However, the announcement was obviously news to The R&A, who were quick to extinguish any rumours that the Claret Jug would be returning to the Ailsa Course in the near future.

Cink and Watson with the Claret Jug

Stewart Cink defeated Watson in a four-hole playoff back in 2009

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What's more, in the past, capacity and access issues associated with the course have reportedly always been a problem, with the staging of the tournament at Turnberry delivering crowds that are significantly lower than those in other Open Championships. 

Although we won't see Turnberry on The Open rota, could we see it on the LIV Golf calendar? Well, with the Saudi-backed series set to expand its schedule to 14 events next year, it is still unclear as to where these tournaments will be taking place, with Trump currently hosting two tournaments on the current LIV Golf schedule.

Rumours are that Valderrama could be a new venue, with Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg in Ireland also being a possible choice. However, with the new LIV Golf League set to get underway in February 2023, it could be another month or so before we hear the finalised schedule.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x