The Open Too... "Expulsion from Trump-Owned Golf Course?"

R&A "Scotland Turnberry Excluded as Venue," Blocking Political Use Following PGA Championship

Scotland Turnberry Golf Course, view of the 9th hole at Elisa Kos. Photo by Getty Images/Multibitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Trump golf course expelled."

The R&A, which organizes The Open, the "oldest major," announced on the 12th (Korean time) that "Turnberry in Scotland will be excluded as a venue." This is because it is owned by U.S. President Donald Trump. Martin Slumbers, Secretary General of the R&A, added, "The Open will not be held at Turnberry for the time being," explaining that "it could be politically exploited." He added, "We must be confident that attention is focused on the tournament, players, and course."

This announcement comes a day after the PGA of America declared that "the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the venue for the 2022 PGA Championship, will be moved elsewhere." The reason given was "the possibility of political exploitation, such as President Trump appearing at the 2022 tournament held during the U.S. midterm elections." The aftermath of Trump’s staunch supporters storming the U.S. Capitol recently seems to be spreading into the golf world.

Turnberry was especially spotlighted when Tom Watson (USA) showed a "sixty-year-old fighting spirit" during the 2009 Open. He challenged to become the oldest winner in 142 years but ended up as runner-up after a four-hole playoff against Stewart Cink (USA) on the final day, leaving some regret. It is interesting that Turnberry was already excluded as a venue in 2020 due to controversies such as Trump’s derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants in 2015. This time, it seems to be a "permanent expulsion."

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