A golf course at Turnberry in Scotland that’s part of ex-President Donald Trump’s extensive global real estate holdings has been “blacklisted” by the organization responsible for hosting the Open, a world-renowned golf championship and the oldest international men’s major in the sport. That’s according to the U.K. publication The Telegraph.
Across Scotland and nearby Ireland, it’s one of three Trump courses in the area. Another prominent spot is in Doonbeg, Ireland, where Mike Pence once stayed as VP despite needing to conduct official business across the small country and where another event associated with the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf will soon be held. Trump has already hosted a series of events associated with that newer league, drawing serious concerns about a conflict of interest, since the arrangements have seemingly meant millions of dollars in Saudi money flowing into his businesses.
As for Turnberry, the issue seen by the R&A — the organization behind the Open, also known as The Open Championship — concerns Trump’s centrality. The report from The Telegraph cited both security concerns associated with potential protests and the more general possibility that Donald’s involvement essentially steals the metaphorical stage for a global event that is far older than he is. “We have no plans to stage any of our championships there in the foreseeable future and will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself,” an informed source said. The Telegraph itself described Trump Turnberry as having been blacklisted.
Ahead of the report from The Telegraph, Trump himself had actually recently visited his Turnberry course, discussing in connection with that visit the money already spent on refreshing the property. And he specifically referenced the Open. “We’re going to make a couple of little minor adjustments but it’s fantastic,” Trump said, per The Telegraph. “Everybody wants to see the Open Championship here – the players, it’s their favourite course, it’s the No 1-rated in Europe.” Well, that’s not working out! Read more at this link.
