Global golf governing body, The R&A, has confirmed holding high-level talks with Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, to explore the potential return of The Open Championship to the iconic Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland. While discussions were described as productive, the R&A emphasized that significant logistical hurdles remain before a final decision can be made.
Turnberry, home to the world-renowned Ailsa Course, last hosted The Open in 2009, five years before the Trump Organization acquired the property. The venue, once hailed as one of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in the Open rotation, has not hosted the championship since its acquisition, sparking years of debate and controversy.
Eric Trump met with R&A executives, including CEO Mark Darbon, as part of ongoing conversations about the future of the championship. According to Darbon, the talks addressed infrastructural shortcomings such as limited road and rail access, inadequate accommodation options, and the overall scale required to host modern editions of The Open.
Speaking at Royal Portrush, host of this year’s Open and expected to draw over 280,000 spectators, Darbon explained that while Turnberry remains on the long list of potential venues, practical challenges continue to delay its return. “We love the golf course and haven’t removed it from consideration, but we face significant logistical challenges,” he stated, pointing to the massive scale of events like Portrush and Royal Troon, which attracted 250,000 fans in 2024.
Demand for The Open continues to surge, with over 1.2 million ticket applications submitted for this year’s tournament alone. But Darbon stressed that numbers aren’t the only priority. “It’s about enhancing the overall experience, not just attendance volume,” he said, highlighting the need for comprehensive venue readiness.
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The UK Government has also been in active discussions with the R&A concerning Turnberry, recognizing the tournament’s potential economic impact. The current Open at Portrush is projected to generate over £210 million for the region. However, Darbon made it clear that the final decision on venues rests solely with the R&A. “We have a constructive dialogue with the government, and they understand that these decisions are ours to make,” he affirmed.
When pressed on whether Donald Trump’s ownership remains a barrier, Darbon declined to comment directly, calling it a “hypothetical question.” He said the focus remains on infrastructure, not politics. “I met with Eric Trump and leaders of the Trump golf team a few months ago. We had a very open and productive discussion about the challenges, and they understand our position,” he revealed.
Darbon’s stance marks a notable shift from that of his predecessor, Martin Slumbers, who in 2021 strongly suggested Turnberry would not be considered while Trump was linked to the venue. The new tone, combined with the R&A’s renewed dialogue with the Trump Organization, suggests that Turnberry’s long exile from the Open rotation may not be permanent after all.
As global attention remains fixed on the future of golf’s oldest major, the question of Turnberry’s return is no longer if, but how soon.
