Latest news with #DuelintheSun
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Six times Major champion to host exclusive event at Trump Turnberry
Those taking part can join the legendary golfer for some unforgettable holes on the renowned Ailsa Course. Trump Turnberry will host an exclusive event offering passionate golfers the opportunity to receive personalised coaching from Sir Nick Faldo. And those taking part can join the legendary golfer for some unforgettable holes on the renowned Ailsa Course. The event, taking place from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, will provide a unique opportunity to play with, be coached by, and gain insight into the career of one of the game's greatest ever golfers who won both The Open and Masters three times. The extraordinary golfing experience comes just a few weeks after the reopening of the Ailsa following extensive renovations, elevating one of the world's great links courses to new heights. The Ailsa has already witnessed some of the sport's most storied moments as a four-time host of The Open including the unforgettable 'Duel in the Sun' between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977, and 2025 heralds a new chapter for the Ayrshire links. The three-night package includes: three nights with full Scottish breakfast at Trump Turnberry Resort; two rounds on the championship Ailsa Course; six holes with Sir Nick Faldo on the Ailsa Course; one round on The King Robert the Bruce Course; evening Q&A with Sir Nick Faldo; golf clinic led by Sir Nick Faldo at The Trump Turnberry Academy, lunch-time refreshments; pre-dinner drinks and dinner on each night and welcome gift. For non-golfers there are relaxing treatments at The Spa at Turnberry, thrilling outdoor pursuits including clay pigeon shooting, archery and horse riding, shopping at the Pro Shop, or indulgent dining experiences including the signature afternoon tea. The package includes full access to the Turnberry practice facilities including The Wee Links Pitch & Putt. For guests looking to take their game to the next level, the new state-of-the-art Trackman Range and Trackman iO Simulator will provide participants with the opportunity to fine-tune distances or enjoy a competitive round indoors with friends within the Golf Academy at Trump Turnberry. The iconic Ailsa course is a permanent fixture at the top of global golf course rankings, and will open for members from June 1 and guests a month later following an eagerly anticipated refurbishment by renowned architect Martin Ebert. Headlining the latest changes are the seventh and eighth holes hugging the rugged coastline to offer a golfing experience vista like no other. The King Robert the Bruce, which is recognised as one of Scotland's best golfing experiences in its own right and made its debut this year in the renowned Golf Digest World's Greatest 100 Courses ranking to join the illustrious Ailsa on the list, is another journey through one of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes. Nic Oldham, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, said: 'We look forward to welcoming Sir Nick and guests to Trump Turnberry for what promises to be a truly special occasion. The Ailsa is looking magnificent after the renovations and the opportunity to play with one of the game's greatest ever golfers will be an experience to treasure.' Places are limited with packages from £5,755 per person for single occupancy to £9,570 for double occupancy or £7,510 for a golfer and non-golfer.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Donald Trump's Open dream: Government ask R&A to explain Turnberry stance
The Government sought an explanation from the R&A on why Donald Trump is yet to secure his dream of hosting The Open Championship at Turnberry. 'Logistical challenges' were explained to Whitehall after Telegraph Sport detailed how – aside from Trump's controversial personality – the relatively low income of the venue is a factor. The Trump family have made no secret of their hopes to bring the tournament back to the Scottish course, which was acquired by the US president in 2014. Trump proudly referenced his ownership of the famous Ayrshire links during a joint press conference alongside Sir Keir Starmer at the White House in February. So too did King Charles in his letter to Trump, delivered in person by Starmer, which as well as inviting the 78-year-old to stage an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, also implored him to spend time with him at the nearby Dumfries House, 'when you are next visiting Turnberry'. Whitehall representatives are known to have contacted the R&A in recent months to establish the body's position on Turnberry. Sources close to discussions dismissed suggestions, however, that ministers are placing any pressure on organisers. Another insider said the R&A described the conversation as 'conciliatory'. A spokesman for the R&A said: 'We regularly engage with Government and local government regarding venues. We have explained the logistical challenges around Turnberry to the Government and they are aware of the position.' Mark Darbon, the recently installed R&A chief executive, indicated to Telegraph Sport on Friday that the governing body would not be swayed by any Government requests to appease Trump. 'At the core of our decision making will be the factors that have served us well in the past and we hope will continue to serve us well into the future,' he said. Darbon's predecessor, Martin Slumbers, continued to give a clear reason why Turnberry – the course that hosted the legendary 1977 'Duel in the Sun' Open and most recently the 2009 event at which a 59-year-old Tom Watson almost reprised his glory from 32 years before – was not being considered for the British major, despite remaining on the official roster. 'We will not be taking events there until we're comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf,' Slumbers emphasised to Telegraph Sport as recently as November. The door is not closed to Turnberry securing an Open, even if it is almost impossible to see it hosting the British major until after Trump's second term ends in 2029. For their part, the Trump family insist they are ready for the honour and that despite any concerns over the size of the crowd, will produce a memorable week. 'Turnberry is considered by all to be the best golf course in the world by the players, the writers, the spectators, and the entire golfing community,' Eric Trump, the president's son, said in a statement to Telegraph Sport. 'If we get the call, and I sincerely hope we do, I promise the R&A that we will be the best hosts the Open Championship has ever seen.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Donald Trump's Open dream: Government ask R&A to explain Turnberry stance
The Government sought an explanation from the R&A on why Donald Trump is yet to secure his dream of hosting The Open Championship at Turnberry. 'Logistical challenges' were explained to Whitehall after Telegraph Sport detailed how – aside from Trump's controversial personality – the relatively low income of the venue is a factor. The Trump family have made no secret of their hopes to bring the tournament back to the Scottish course, which was acquired by the US president in 2014. Trump proudly referenced his ownership of the famous Ayrshire links during a joint press conference alongside Sir Keir Starmer at the White House in February. So too did King Charles in his letter to Trump, delivered in person by Starmer, which as well as inviting the 78-year-old to stage an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, also implored him to spend time with him at the nearby Dumfries House, 'when you are next visiting Turnberry'. Whitehall representatives are known to have contacted the R&A in recent months to establish the body's position on Turnberry. Sources close to discussions dismissed suggestions, however, that ministers are placing any pressure on organisers. Another insider said the R&A described the conversation as 'conciliatory'. A spokesman for the R&A said: 'We regularly engage with Government and local government regarding venues. We have explained the logistical challenges around Turnberry to the Government and they are aware of the position.' Mark Darbon, the recently installed R&A chief executive, indicated to Telegraph Sport on Friday that the governing body would not be swayed by any Government requests to appease Trump. 'At the core of our decision making will be the factors that have served us well in the past and we hope will continue to serve us well into the future,' he said. Darbon's predecessor, Martin Slumbers, continued to give a clear reason why Turnberry – the course that hosted the legendary 1977 ' Duel in the Sun ' Open and most recently the 2009 event at which a 59-year-old Tom Watson almost reprised his glory from 32 years before – was not being considered for the British major, despite remaining on the official roster. 'We will not be taking events there until we're comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf,' Slumbers emphasised to Telegraph Sport as recently as November. The door is not closed to Turnberry securing an Open, even if it is almost impossible to see it hosting the British major until after Trump's second term ends in 2029. For their part, the Trump family insist they are ready for the honour and that despite any concerns over the size of the crowd, will produce a memorable week. 'Turnberry is considered by all to be the best golf course in the world by the players, the writers, the spectators, and the entire golfing community,' Eric Trump, the president's son, said in a statement to Telegraph Sport. 'If we get the call, and I sincerely hope we do, I promise the R&A that we will be the best hosts the Open Championship has ever seen.'
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Could British Open go back to Trump Turnberry? New R&A CEO 'would love' return
Could British Open go back to Trump Turnberry? New R&A CEO 'would love' return Could the Open Championship return to Trump Turnberry in the future? R&A chief executive Mark Darbon didn't rule out the possibility Tuesday. Speaking at the official launch for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Darbon said he "would love" if the Open returned to Turnberry, where it was last contested in 2009. Stewart Cink beat Tom Watson in a playoff to hoist the Claret Jug. United States President Donald Trump bought the property five years later. Trump has made significant upgrades to the property since purchasing it, including to the Ailsa course. But the course, and Trump's ownership, aren't the main reason Turnberry hasn't hosted in more than a decade. "At Turnberry, there are definitely some logistical and commercial challenges that we face around the road, rail and accommodation infrastructure," Darbon said Tuesday. "We're doing some feasibility work around what it would look like to return to that venue and the investment that it would require." Darbon mentioned just over 120K people attended the 2009 Open, whereas 278K are expected this summer at Royal Portrush. The Ailsa course ranks seventh on Golfweek's Best's Top 50 Classic Courses in Great Britain and Ireland. It made its Open debut in 1977, the famous "Duel in the Sun" between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. The venue also hosted in 1986, 1994 and 2009. "A modern Open Championship is a large-scale event," Darbon said. "What we know for sure is the golf course is brilliant, so at some point we'd love to be back there. We consistently work with our venues and their owners and operators to talk about what an Open Championship demands and how we work with them to bring that to life." In 2021, former R&A CEO Martin Slumbers released a statement in wake of the PGA of America removing the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump Bedminster. That came on the heels of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. "We had no plans to stage any of our championships at Turnberry and will not do so in the foreseeable future,' Slumbers said. 'We will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself, and we do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances.' Four years and a new CEO later, the R&A seems to have opened the door on a possible return. The next open slot for the Open is 2028. The 2026 Open is set for Royal Birkdale with 2027 returning to St. Andrews.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The Open could make shock return to Turnberry as golf chiefs make major U-turn on famous Donald Trump venue
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE R&A appears to have performed a major U-turn on whether the Open could return to Trump Turnberry. Despite being consistently rated as one of the best courses not only in the UK but in the world, the Ayrshire resort hasn't held an Open Championship since 2009. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Trump Turnberry could end up back on the Open rota Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 5 It lasted hosted the event back in 2009 Credit: AFP 5 Since being bought by Donald Trump, the R&A has distanced itself from Turnberry Credit: AFP 5 But new R&A chief Mark Darbon has suggested their position has changed Credit: Getty Previously, the reason for that was attributed to Donald Trump's ownership of the property. But that stance appears to have softened, if comments by the R&A's new chief executive are anything to go by. The Ailsa course at Turnberry has played host to four Open Championships, including the fabled Duel in the Sun in 1977 in which Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled it out on the Ayrshire links. Despite its popularity among golfers, the R&A removed it from the Open rota not long after it was bought by Trump in 2014 and his subsequent presidential run. The reasoning was that the controversy and profile of President Trump would detract from the tournament itself. As recently as 2021, former R&A chief Martin Slumbers said: 'We will not return until we are convinced the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself, and we do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances." Since being bought by Trump in 2014, £200m has been spent on upgrades across the property. Architect Martin Ebert redesigned several of the holes, which in turn gave the Ailsa a new signature hole, the par-3 ninth. Further changes to the seventh and eighth holes were made this year but the grand reopening was delayed after the venue was targeted by vandals. New R&A chief Mark Darbon has proclaimed that the course is now "better than ever" and he revealed that golf's governing body IS looking into a potential return to Trump Turnberry. Trump's iconic £1k-a-round golf course is wrecked by pro-Palestine protesters But, there's a catch. While Trump's potential influence appears to be less of a worry, whether Turnberry as a location can host an Open is in doubt. The village of Turnberry has a population of just a few hundred and transport options are minimal, with no train station and just two main roads linking it to the bigger towns of Ayr and Girvan. Portrush, the host of the Open this year, is of similar size to Girvan but Royal Portrush sits on the edge of the town rather than five miles away as Girvan is to Turnberry. Ayr is over 15 miles away to the north. This means accommodation could be an issue. The hotel at Trump Turnberry is just as famous and spectacular as the golf itself but the last time the Open was held here, attendance figures were around 100,000. Around 280,000 are expected at Royal Portrush. Darbon was quizzed about the prospect of Turnberry being put back on the Open rota at a media day to promote this summer's tournament. He told reporters that a feasibility study is underway to determine if it would be possible. Darbon said: 'The golf course is magnificent. If anything, it's better now than it ever has been, given some of the improvements that have been made to the course. 'But there are some challenges around the road and rail network, some of the accommodation provision in the surrounding area. 'So we're doing some feasibility work around what it would look like to return to that venue and the investment that it would require. 'What we know for sure is the golf course is brilliant, so at some point we'd love to be back there. 'We consistently work with our venues and their owners and operators to talk about what an Open Championship demands and how we work with them to bring that to life." But Darbon added: 'Of course, when it comes to a Championship like this, we want the focus to be on the golf and that is a factor too." It's been reported by the BBC that UK government officials have recently asked the R&A about its position on Trump Turnberry, particularly in the wake of the US president's new policy on tariffs. This coming summer, prices for rounds on the Ailsa will skyrocket, making it one of the most expensive courses in the UK to play. Trump's other facility in Scotland, Trump International Golf Links, could be welcoming a DP World Tour event in the near future. 5 The famous lighthouse adjacent to the new par-3 ninth hole on the Ailsa Credit: Alamy Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
