Senior Whitehall officials have explored the possibility of hosting the 2028 Open Championship at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course, raising the idea in conversations with senior figures at the R&A, the body responsible for organising the prestigious tournament.
The discussions have focused on identifying the potential hurdles to bringing the Open back to Turnberry, rather than directly insisting on the venue’s selection. However, the inquiry reflects broader efforts by the UK government to strengthen ties with President Trump, who has made several requests to the Prime Minister regarding Turnberry’s suitability for the tournament.
Turnberry, which has been owned by the Trump Organization since 2014, last hosted the Open in 2009. Despite being on the R&A’s shortlist of historic courses for potential future events, it has not been chosen in recent years. In the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack, the R&A indicated a reluctance to return to Turnberry, citing concerns about potential political distractions.
Recently, however, there appears to be a shift in tone from the tournament organisers. Under new leadership, the R&A’s chief executive expressed a desire to see the Open return to Turnberry “at some point,” acknowledging both the historic prestige of the venue and the challenges that hosting there would entail.
One of the main concerns surrounding a return to Turnberry is infrastructure. While the 2009 Open attracted 123,000 spectators, modern tournaments see numbers exceeding 250,000. Transport links to Turnberry are limited; the site is a two-and-a-half-hour train journey from Glasgow or a one-hour drive along a single A-road. The area would require significant upgrades to roads, rail services, and airport access to accommodate the influx of visitors expected at a modern Open Championship.
Accommodation is another pressing issue. The area around Turnberry currently lacks sufficient high-quality hotel facilities to support the numbers needed for such a large-scale event. Estimates suggest that tens, or possibly hundreds, of millions of pounds would be needed to bring the infrastructure up to standard for hosting the Open.
Despite these challenges, Turnberry remains one of the iconic courses in the Open rota, alongside other historic venues such as St Andrews and Royal Birkdale. Turnberry’s dramatic coastal setting and golfing pedigree make it an attractive option if the logistical and commercial barriers can be overcome.
Hosting the Open could also deliver a significant financial boost to the course’s operators. SLC Turnberry, the company running the resort, has struggled financially in recent years, reporting a £1.7 million loss last year following a rare profit the year before – the only one in a decade.
The government has been keenly interested in the feasibility work being carried out by the R&A. Officials have been briefed on the issues and understand the significant investment required to make a return to Turnberry viable. While there is no formal decision yet, the door appears more open than it has been in recent years.
The R&A continues to assess its options for future venues and remains engaged with government representatives as part of its standard practice. Discussions are expected to continue as feasibility studies progress, with any final decision likely influenced by both logistical realities and broader political considerations.
