Latest news with #EuropeanTourGroup
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Donald Trump increases his golf footprint in Scotland while world looks elsewhere
Even a cursory glance towards the scale of this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush emphasised why ongoing and occasionally fevered chatter about Turnberry staging the world's oldest major is futile. Whether the Turnberry owner was Donald Trump or Donald Duck, its lack of adjacent infrastructure makes it unfit for the Open. The Ayrshire venue, lauded again by its owner, Trump, during a visit in recent days, is simply incapable of hosting the Open in its present form. This need not be an uncomfortable reality for the US president, who can secure at least a portion of the profile and kudos he desires for Turnberry – one of the world's most outstanding golf courses – from an alternative source. It would, in fact, now be a surprise if Turnberry does not appear on the Scottish Open's rota at some point soon. Mutual convenience is staring us all in the face if Trump can even temporarily accept a prize which sits in the shadow of the championship he has craved since buying Turnberry in 2014. The European Tour Group has proved adept at navigating choppy sporting waters. Or, perhaps, merely dealing with the same away from prying eyes. It was the DP World Tour, formerly European, which eased Saudi Arabia into the golf mainstream and it is the same tour which allows Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to pursue Ryder Cup ambitions while technically in dispute over fines issued for participation in LIV competitions. As eyes fix on Royal Porthcawl and the Women's Open this week, where Lottie Woad will look to continue her vertiginous rise, the Legends Tour – Europe's domain for senior citizens – will stop off at Trump Aberdeen. Only days later, the DP World Tour's Nexo Championship is to be contested at the same venue. The European Tour Group has continued its trick of hiding in plain sight by arranging these events with no backlash whatsoever. Not so much as a raised eyebrow; a scenario that will inevitably continue as the tournaments take place. Depending on one's viewpoint, this is either a tremendous example of public relations or an ominous sign that few people care about the European Tour Group's approach to business. This is not at all to suggest protest or hand-wringing is essential, rather that Trump has quietly and already increased his golfing footprint in a land far from home. The Scottish government has even contributed £180,000 of public money to the Nexo Championship. The stakes look set to be raised. Doonbeg, now Trump Ireland, is known to be under consideration to stage the Irish Open. Reports suggest that could happen as quickly as 2026. Doonbeg and the Irish Open looks a strong alliance; a stunning location which also boasts hotel accommodation. Ireland, like Scotland, should have links venues for its national open. Guy Kinnings, the European Tour Group's chief executive, attended a function in Trump's company in Aberdeenshire on Monday evening before being present for the opening of the president's New Course on the Menie Estate. As Trump cut the ribbon on the New Course, Kinnings was one of just four people standing behind him; two were the president's sons. The Scottish Open's present base at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian is convenient. Leading players can stay on or close to the venue. Renaissance's American owners want the Scottish Open to stay there in perpetuity. The tournament offers a form of seaside preparation immediately before the Open. Last month's edition, though, bore witness to audible grumbles from golfers about the nature of that test. It is impossible to shake the feeling that Scotland has too many exceptional, true links courses for this competition to remain at its current home. Chief among them? Turnberry. There may be a necessary break to Renaissance's run. The R&A will give the Open an overdue return to Muirfield at some point, meaning it would be logistically impossible to stage the previous week's Scottish equivalent at a course which is basically next door. A switch to the west coast would make perfect sense at that point. Any suggestion Turnberry would be banned from future Open duties by hosting the DP World Tour is undermined by the fact professionals and amateurs crash around St Andrews and Carnoustie every year at the Dunhill Links Championship. Turnberry could not only handle a Scottish Open but would be a celebrated venue. 'We love Scotland,' Trump announced before boarding Air Force One on Tuesday. Get ready for a lot more of the same.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Donald Trump increases his golf footprint in Scotland while world looks elsewhere
Even a cursory glance towards the scale of this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush emphasised why ongoing and occasionally fevered chatter about Turnberry staging the world's oldest major is futile. Whether the Turnberry owner was Donald Trump or Donald Duck, its lack of adjacent infrastructure makes it unfit for the Open. The Ayrshire venue, lauded again by its owner Trump during a visit in recent days, is simply incapable of hosting the Open in its present form. This need not be an uncomfortable reality for the US president, who can secure at least a portion of the profile and kudos he desires for Turnberry – one of the world's most outstanding golf courses – from an alternative source. It would, in fact, now be a surprise if Turnberry does not appear on the Scottish Open's rota at some point soon. Mutual convenience is staring us all in the face if Trump can even temporarily accept a prize which sits in the shadow of the championship he has craved since buying Turnberry in 2014. The European Tour Group has proved adept at navigating choppy sporting waters. Or, perhaps, merely dealing with the same away from prying eyes. It was the DP World Tour, formerly European, which eased Saudi Arabia into the golf mainstream and it is the same tour which allows Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to pursue Ryder Cup ambitions while technically in dispute over fines issued for participation in LIV competitions. As eyes fix on Royal Porthcawl and the Women's Open this week, where Lottie Woad will look to continue her vertiginous rise, the Legends Tour – Europe's domain for senior citizens – will stop off at Trump Aberdeen. Only days later, the DP World Tour's Nexo Championship is to be contested at the same venue. The European Tour Group has continued its trick of hiding in plain sight by arranging these events with no backlash whatsoever. Not so much as a raised eyebrow; a scenario that will inevitably continue as the tournaments take place. Depending on one's viewpoint, this is either a tremendous example of public relations or an ominous sign that few people care about the European Tour Group's approach to business. This is not at all to suggest protest or hand-wringing is essential, rather that Trump has quietly and already increased his golfing footprint in a land far from home. The Scottish government has even contributed £180,000 of public money to the Nexo Championship. The stakes look set to be raised. Doonbeg, now Trump Ireland, is known to be under consideration to stage the Irish Open. Reports suggest that could happen as quickly as 2026. Doonbeg and the Irish Open looks a strong alliance; a stunning location which also boasts hotel accommodation. Ireland, like Scotland, should have links venues for its national open. Guy Kinnings, the European Tour Group's chief executive, attended a function in Trump's company in Aberdeenshire on Monday evening before being present for the opening of the president's New Course on the Menie Estate. As Trump cut the ribbon on the New Course, Kinnings was one of just four people standing behind him; two were the president's sons. The Scottish Open's present base at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian is convenient. Leading players can stay on or close to the venue. Renaissance's American owners want the Scottish Open to stay there in perpetuity. The tournament offers a form of seaside preparation immediately before the Open. Last month's edition, though, bore witness to audible grumbles from golfers about the nature of that test. It is impossible to shake the feeling that Scotland has too many exceptional, true links courses for this competition to remain at its current home. Chief among them? Turnberry. There may be a necessary break to Renaissance's run. The R&A will give the Open an overdue return to Muirfield at some point, meaning it would be logistically impossible to stage the previous week's Scottish equivalent at a course which is basically next door. A switch to the west coast would make perfect sense at that point. Any suggestion Turnberry would be banned from future Open duties by hosting the DP World Tour is undermined by the fact professionals and amateurs crash around St Andrews and Carnoustie every year at the Dunhill Links Championship. Turnberry could not only handle a Scottish Open but would be a celebrated venue. 'We love Scotland,' Trump announced before boarding Air Force One on Tuesday. Get ready for a lot more of the same.
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Ryder Cup officially returning to Spain in 2031
Team Europe captain Luke Donald and his team pose with the trophy as they celebrate after winning the 2023 Ryder Cup. MADRID – Ryder Cup Europe confirmed on July 22 that the biennial event will return to Spain in 2031 and be played at the Camiral Golf and Wellness Resort in Caldes de Malavella. Located in the north-eastern part of Spain near Barcelona, the resort was formerly known as PGA Catalunya. It will be the second course in Spain to host a Ryder Cup, which was played at Valderrama Golf Club in 1997. 'Today's announcement not only recognises Camiral as one of Europe's leading venues, but also the considerable contribution Spanish golf has made to the proud history of the Ryder Cup,' European Tour Group chief executive Guy Kinnings said in a statement. The resort's Stadium course has played host to a DP World Tour event three times, most recently in 2022, as well as having served as the site for the final stage of the tour's qualifying school from 2008-16, according to Golf Digest. It will also host the tour's Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship from 2028-30. Spain's Sergio Garcia is the all-time Ryder Cup points leader with 28 1/2, while countryman Jon Rahm has become one of the team's stars over the past three iterations of the event. The 2025 Ryder Cup will be contested in September at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, with Europe defending their 16 1/2-11 1/2 victory in Italy two years ago. The event will be held at Ireland's Adare Manor in 2027 followed by Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota, in 2027. After Camiral, the Ryder Cup will return to San Francisco's Olympic Club in 2033. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'pore's domestic recycling rate drops to all time low of 11% Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kick in Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving With Spain's Seve Ballesteros serving as team captain, Europe won the Ryder Cup 14 1/2-13 1/2 at Valderrama. Ballesteros, Garcia and Rahm are three of 11 Spaniards who have competed in the event. Ballesteros and countryman Antonio Garrido were the first players from Continental Europe to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup in 1979 at the Greenbrier. There has been at least one Spaniard on the team in every Ryder Cup since. 'The Ryder Cup has grown significantly since Spain last hosted it in 1997,' Kinnings added. 'It is one of the world's leading sporting events, which brings significant economic benefits and global exposure to a host region and country, so we could not be happier to be taking it to Costa Brava and Barcelona for the first time, and to Spain for the second time.' REUTERS
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Denis O'Brien-owned Camiral in Spain to host Ryder Cup in 2031
The Ryder Cup will return to Spain in 2031 after the Costa Brava resort of Camiral, owned by Irish billionaire Denis O'Brien and his wife Catherine, was confirmed as the host venue. It will be the second time the biennial event has been staged in the country, after Valderrama in 1997. The news was announced by the European Tour Group on Tuesday. It will only be the fourth time the tournament will have been played in continental Europe after Paris (2018) and Rome (2023) followed Valderrama as hosts. This year's Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September. Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland will be the venue in 2027 and Hazeltine, near Minnesota in 2029. Camiral was formerly known as PGA Catalunya, which has hosted several DP World Tour events, including the Spanish Open. Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the European Tour Group, said: 'Today's announcement not only recognises Camiral as one of Europe's leading venues, but also the considerable contribution Spanish golf has made to the proud history of the Ryder Cup. 'The Ryder Cup has grown significantly since Spain last hosted it in 1997. It is one of the world's leading sporting events, which brings significant economic benefits and global exposure to a host region and country, so we could not be happier to be taking it to Costa Brava and Barcelona for the first time, and to Spain for the second time.' Eleven Spaniards have represented Europe throughout the competition's history and Seve Ballesteros famously captained the team to victory over the United States at Valderrama. Camiral, which is close to Girona and around an hour's travel from Barcelona, has also been confirmed as the host of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship on the DP World Tour from 2028-30. Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, president of Spain's national sports council, said: 'The Government of Spain welcomes the selection of Camiral as the host venue for the 2031 Ryder Cup – a global sporting event that will showcase our country to millions of viewers around the world. 'The Ryder Cup is not only one of the most prestigious competitions on the international sporting calendar, but also an exceptional platform to demonstrate Spain's ability to successfully host major 21st-century events, combining world-class infrastructure, unparalleled natural environment and a globally renowned tourism, cultural and culinary offering.' Juan Guerrero-Burgos, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, said: 'It is an honour for Spain to host the Ryder Cup for the second time in history. 'The previous experience at Valderrama in 1997 was extraordinary. The economic impact, media coverage and more importantly, the legacy to our sport, tourism and awareness of golf in our country were unbelievable.'
Glasgow Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Ryder Cup to return to Spain in 2031
It will be the second time the biennial event has been staged in the country, after Valderrama in 1997. The news was announced by the European Tour Group on Tuesday. We're heading back to Spain for the first time since 1997 🇪🇺 — Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) July 22, 2025 It will only be the fourth time the tournament will have been played in continental Europe after Paris (2018) and Rome (2023) followed Valderrama as hosts. This year's Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September. Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland will be the venue in 2027 and Hazeltine, near Minnesota in 2029. Guy Kinnings, chief executive of the European Tour Group, said: 'Today's announcement not only recognises Camiral as one of Europe's leading venues, but also the considerable contribution Spanish golf has made to the proud history of the Ryder Cup. 'The Ryder Cup has grown significantly since Spain last hosted it in 1997. It is one of the world's leading sporting events, which brings significant economic benefits and global exposure to a host region and country, so we could not be happier to be taking it to Costa Brava and Barcelona for the first time, and to Spain for the second time.' Eleven Spaniards have represented Europe throughout the competition's history and Seve Ballesteros famously captained the team to victory over the United States at Valderrama. Seve Ballesteros captained Europe to victory at Valderrama (PA) Camiral, which is close to Girona and around an hour's travel from Barcelona, has also been confirmed as the host of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship on the DP World Tour from 2028-30. Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes, president of Spain's national sports council, said: 'The Government of Spain welcomes the selection of Camiral as the host venue for the 2031 Ryder Cup – a global sporting event that will showcase our country to millions of viewers around the world. 'The Ryder Cup is not only one of the most prestigious competitions on the international sporting calendar, but also an exceptional platform to demonstrate Spain's ability to successfully host major 21st-century events, combining world-class infrastructure, unparalleled natural environment and a globally renowned tourism, cultural and culinary offering.' Juan Guerrero-Burgos, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, said: 'It is an honour for Spain to host the Ryder Cup for the second time in history. 'The previous experience at Valderrama in 1997 was extraordinary. The economic impact, media coverage and more importantly, the legacy to our sport, tourism and awareness of golf in our country were unbelievable.'
