2 days ago
Donald Trump to make Open return case for Turnberry as US President flies into Scotland
The Donald wants his Ayrshire course back on the Open rotation after controversy and poor infrastructure affected attendance
Air Force One is expected to touch down in Aberdeen this summer ahead of Donald Trump paying flying visits to the Scottish jewels in his golfing crown.
It has emerged that the US President is almost certain to attend the official opening of his new 18 hole course at Trump International at Balmedie on the outskirts of the city ahead of his proposed royal visit later in the year.
Trump is also understood to be planning to combine his visit to the north-east with a trip to Ayrshire to trumpet his case for Turnberry to be reinstated to The Open schedule.
No date has been announced for the official unveiling of the multi-million pound second links course on the Menie Estate, but it is likely to be within the next couple of months.
Work on the spectacular New Course is close to completion and will create 'The Greatest 36 holes of Golf' alongside the Old Course opened in 2012, according to Trump's executive vice-president at the International Golf Links, Sarah Malone.
Trump's most recent visit to the highly acclaimed resort was in 2023 to coincide with work commencing on the second course.
It had initially been planned to name the new 18 holes MacLeod after Trump's Lewis-born mother, Mary, but Malone explained that the decision to refer to the two courses as the Old and New is a nod to tradition.
Malone also highlighted the practicalities of doing so from a business perspective, adding: 'Having 36 holes is a big thing. It gives us limitless options and possibilities for tournament and professional play.'
Trump International has already secured two top tournaments this summer in the shape of the €1 million Staysure PGA Seniors Championship from July-31 to August 3, and the Scottish Championship the following week.
Eight-time European No 1 and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie will again host the seniors tournament prior to the groundbreaking DP World Tour event worth $2.75 million in prize money.
Trump has owned the world-renowned Turnberry Links since 2014 - five years after the Ailsa course hosted the most recent of its four Open Championships.
A combination of the controversy surrounding Trump's ownership and the infrastructure, which makes it the least well attended of the Open venues, has resulted in Turnberry disappearing from the championship schedule.
But new R&A chief executive, Mark Darbon hinted recently about the possibility of Turnberry being reinstated to the rota following further improvements to the venue.
Meanwhile, Monty has called on Open chiefs to bury the hatchet with Trump and accept a financial hit if necessary, due to Turnberry's status as a world class venue.
He insisted: 'Turnberry needs to happen. It's ranked No 1 and rightly so. It's the best course we have - not in Scotland but in Britain. I don't think I'm being biased saying that. I think that's what we all feel.
'So to host the greatest championship in golf is a must somewhere down the line and let's hope it happens sooner rather than later. Yes, very much so.'
