Earlier this week, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) confirmed that Chief Executive Mark Darbon met with Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, to explore the potential return of The Open Championship to Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland. This marks a significant evolution in the R&A’s posture, acknowledging both the historic prestige of the venue and the critical logistical considerations that have deferred its inclusion in the championship rotation since 2009.
Darbon described the meeting as “really good,” noting that both parties “understand clearly” each other’s views and have established constructive communication. Historically, Turnberry has hosted The Open four times—with memorable victories by Tom Watson (1977), Greg Norman (1986), Nick Price (1994), and Stewart Cink (2009)—before being shelved from the rota after its acquisition by the Trump Organization in 2014. Yet, at Portrush, the R&A CEO expressed renewed interest in discussing Turnberry’s future inclusion, contingent upon significant upgrades in infrastructure.
Logistical and Infrastructural Barriers
Despite Turnberry’s scenic beauty, rich history, and its highly ranked Ailsa Course, current challenges related to access and accommodation remain formidable. In 2009, the event welcomed around 120,000 spectators, in contrast to the 280,000 expected at this year’s Portrush Open.. Darbon emphasized that before Turnberry can be seriously considered, improvements in road and rail links, as well as increased lodging capacity, must be addressed.
Turnberry’s location—fifty miles from Glasgow and near the Firth of Clyde—presents particular transportation obstacles. The limited rail connectivity, combined with relatively narrow roadways and a lack of hotel accommodations, make it difficult to support the scale The Open demands . These challenges align with findings from golf-focused outlets affirming that railroad service and accommodation infrastructure are “major obstacles” to resuming The Open at Turnberry .
Political Overtones and R&A Autonomy
Previously, under former R&A chief Martin Slumbers, Turnberry was considered politically sensitive. Slumbers once remarked that the venue would remain out of the rotation until organizers could be confident that focus would remain purely on golf—not on its ownership. Current R&A leadership has shifted its tone: Darbon openly states that Trump Turnberry “has never officially been taken out of our pool of venues,” but qualifies that substantial infrastructure improvements are required before its return
Darbon also noted that while the UK government has been consulted, decisions on venues remain firmly within the R&A’s purview. This follows broader political discussions—reports have surfaced that White House officials and even King Charles referenced Turnberry in high-level discussions, but Darbon emphasized that the R&A retains full autonomy
Strategic Venue Planning and Future Outlook
As of now, the R&A has scheduled the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale and the 2027 Open at St Andrews, with a decision on 2028 venues expected next year.. While Turnberry remains a candidate, logistical timelines suggest that it will not be ready in the short term. Instead, venues such as Portmarnock in Ireland have gained traction as potential future hosts, with feasibility studies currently underway.
Parallel discussions are also unfolding regarding Muirfield—a historically significant venue removed from the rota due to its controversial membership policies. Darbon stated that R&A is working with Muirfield to modernize practice areas and infrastructural capacity, signaling a strategic, multi-venue reevaluation.
Golf Monthly’s analysis corroborates this approach, citing Turnberry, Muirfield, and Royal Lytham & St Annes as three iconic courses currently sidelined due to logistical constraints rather than course quality or history. The R&A appears to be preparing long-term for reinclusion of multiple historical venues, pending the necessary infrastructural transformation to meet modern championship standards.
Economic Stakes and Broader Impacts
The Open is not merely a sporting event—it’s a driver of significant economic activity. The Portrush tournament expects to draw 280,000 spectators and generate around £210 million (approximately US $281 million) in local economic impact. Similar financial opportunity could follow The Open’s return to Turnberry, but only if logistical frameworks—roads, railways, accommodations, and local services—can support it.
The R&A’s continued dialogue with the UK government underscores the tournament’s national importance, suggesting collaborative solutions may eventually materialize. However, realizing such a return would likely require multi-year planning, funding, and coordinated infrastructure development.
In summary, the R&A’s discussions with Eric Trump and the Trump Organization signal a willingness to revisit Turnberry as an Open venue. The outright exclusion based on politics appears to have been deprioritized; current barriers are firmly logistical and infrastructural in nature. With constructive dialogue underway between the R&A, Turnberry’s owners, and government authorities, a future Open at this storied course remains possible, albeit dependent on substantial investment and long-range planning. For now, Turnberry waits in the wings—still loved, still potent, but not yet ready to host golf’s oldest championship once more.
