The reopening of Trump-owned Turnberry’s renowned Ailsa Course has been delayed after significant damage caused by a pro-Palestine group. The course, located in Ayrshire, Scotland, was originally set to reopen on 1 May following renovations that had begun last October. However, due to the vandalism, the Ailsa Course will now remain closed until June.
The damage was inflicted during the early hours of 8 March when the clubhouse at Turnberry was vandalized with graffiti and red paint. More notably, protesters damaged the championship course by ripping up greens and the turf surrounding them. This damage is particularly concerning as the Ailsa Course is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world and has hosted the Open Championship four times.
In a statement, Nic Oldham, the general manager of Trump Turnberry, explained that the reopening delay was a direct result of the recent vandalism. He noted that while the redesigned holes were ready for play and looked spectacular, restoration work was necessary to repair the affected areas and ensure that the course met the premium playing conditions expected by members and guests. Oldham emphasized that the team was working diligently to minimize disruption and hoped that the Ailsa Course would be better than ever when it reopens in June.
The delay in reopening is expected to have a significant economic impact, particularly for the tourism sector. Golf tourists visiting Turnberry, especially those looking to play at the Ailsa Course, will face disruptions to their plans. Tee times for later in the summer are priced at £1,000 per person for non-residents, which is a substantial amount for golf enthusiasts. With nearby Ayrshire golf courses experiencing a busy period, the closure of the Ailsa Course will likely result in a knock-on effect for other local courses as well.
Trump, in response to the vandalism, condemned those responsible, calling them “terrorists” and expressing his desire for them to be “treated harshly” by the Scottish justice system. While he initially claimed that three individuals were imprisoned as a result of police inquiries, it was later revealed that only a 33-year-old man had been charged. Kieran Robson, who was charged with malicious mischief, made no plea during his brief appearance at Ayr sheriff court. Robson was released on bail pending a further court hearing. Additionally, a 75-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were arrested but released without charges.
Trump’s involvement with Turnberry has been marked by controversy since he purchased the course from a Dubai-based group in 2014. He has long sought to bring the Open Championship back to the Ailsa Course, which last hosted the prestigious tournament in 2009. However, his efforts have faced resistance from the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), the governing body of the Open. Despite Trump’s continued push, the R&A has not indicated any intention of changing its stance, even with the appointment of Mark Darbon as the organization’s new chief executive.
As the situation stands, the delay to the reopening of the Ailsa Course marks another chapter in the contentious relationship between Trump’s business ventures and the local community. With the restoration work now underway, there is hope that the Ailsa Course will emerge from this disruption in an improved state, ready to welcome visitors once again by June.
