US President Donald Trump acquired the Turnberry golf course in 2014.
The UK government has stated that the decision regarding hosts for the Open Championship rests with the R&A, following assertions that President Trump has made repeated overtures to host the 2028 tournament at his Turnberry property.
Reports indicate that President Trump and White House representatives have approached Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about the Open possibly returning to the Ayrshire course, which last staged the event in 2009.
According to multiple sources, BBC Sport understands that the UK government has inquired about the R&A’s position on this issue in recent months.
A spokesperson for the prime minister did not refute the reports, stating that any communications with sporting authorities are “part of the business of government” and are separate from any decisions about hosting events.
“I would not comment on individual discussions, but ultimately, decisions regarding tournament venues are made by sporting bodies, not the government,” the spokesperson commented.
“The government routinely liaises with sporting organisations regarding events as a matter of course, and there is nothing further beyond that.”
An R&A spokesperson remarked, “We frequently engage with both national and local governments concerning tournament venues.
“We have outlined to the government the logistical challenges present at Turnberry, and they are aware of our position.”
R&A ‘eager’ for Trump’s Turnberry to host the Open
Potential effects of Trump’s tariffs on sport
McIlroy eyes redemption at Portrush Open
President Trump bought Turnberry five years after its most recent Open Championship and has reportedly invested £200 million in upgrades. He went on record in 2023 advocating for the tournament’s return to the venue.
New R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said last week he “would love” to see the Open return to Turnberry, noting that the main obstacles are logistical rather than related to ownership.
Attendance figures for the Open have risen sharply since 120,000 fans visited Turnberry in 2009; this year’s event at Royal Portrush is expected to attract 278,000 spectators.
A feasibility study is underway to determine if the course and surrounding town can accommodate such large crowds, with concerns centering on transportation and lodging capacities.
Darbon’s position marks a notable change from that of his predecessor, Martin Slumbers, who signalled that Turnberry would not return to the Open rota while Trump remained linked to the site, citing worries that attention would shift from the sport itself.
This shift has fuelled speculation that government officials in Whitehall have encouraged a return to Turnberry, as ministers seek to maintain cordial relations with Trump amid tariff negotiations and ongoing trade discussions between the US and UK.
Sources from both countries maintain that there has been no undue influence exerted.
In February, reports emerged that White House officials brought up the subject of Turnberry hosting the Open during the prime minister’s visit to Washington. King Charles is also said to have referenced the course in an invitation letter to President Trump for a potential second state visit to the UK.
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser