Latest news with #Turnberry
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Opinion: Trump and Farage are the only grown-ups in the room
As a lifelong fan of dystopian writers such as HP Lovecraft and Mervyn Peake, I've always been fascinated by strange universes and parallel dimensions, places where the rules of physics don't apply. Well, this week it felt like I had woken up in one. The usual parameters of power seemed to have been replaced by an upside-down world in which almost nothing made sense. How else would you describe a situation in which Donald Trump increasingly seems like the only grown-up in the room? Trump's mini state visit this week, to his golf courses in Turnberry and Balmedie, met with all the usual protests and was beset by one or two unintentionally comical moments. But when it came down to it, his encounter with Sir Keir Starmer was a masterclass in the kind of statesmanlike power-play that the American President is increasingly demonstrating. Let's face it, he can be childish and petulant at times: just look at how he treated Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. But this time he was a model of restraint, in particular on Gaza. Trump said what everyone, even the staunchest supporters of Israel must now acknowledge: that we are seeing 'real starvation' in the region, adding that 'those children look very hungry' and 'you can't fake that'. He stressed that the top priority was making sure aid got through and reiterated the US's commitment to working with the EU to establish food centres across Gaza. He topped that off with a reminder to Israel that it was their duty to allow 'every ounce of food' into the Strip. On the question of recognising a Palestinian state – the current political hot potato – he was calm and measured, simply saying he was 'not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment'. Blimey. Can this really be the same President Trump who, back in February, was advocating taking over Gaza, relocating its citizens and turning it into a Levantine Las Vegas? Such compassionate, reasoned analysis of the situation is not what his detractors have come to rely on. They must be absolutely livid. As if that weren't enough, he then proceeded to offer a blisteringly accurate analysis of Starmer's political woes, urging him to cut taxes, get tough on illegal immigration and ditch the obsession with wind energy in favour of North Sea oil and natural gas. The cherry on the cake was his frank and accurate assessment of Sadiq Khan: 'I'm not a fan... I think he's done a terrible job.' This is something every single person I know, even Labour-voting London friends of mine, would heartily agree with. I must confess that in the past I really haven't been keen on Trump. And there remain lots of unanswered questions around him, particularly when it comes to his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein. But in terms of the issues currently facing America, Britain and the wider world, you would be hard pushed to say that his judgment this week has been anything other than spot on. His handling of the EU was masterful, too. He effectively negotiated them into a corner on a trade deal, as many of them have belatedly realised. So after years of political paralysis and diplomatic stagnation, Trump finally seems to be getting somewhere. Against a backdrop of ineffectual leadership, this feels encouraging – and perhaps even exciting. Again, an unfamiliar feeling of late. And the truth is when politicians show that they can get things done, the public are far more inclined to overlook their personal shortcomings. While Trump's own character failings are admittedly quite hard to ignore, his best defence against his enemies is his sheer effectiveness – and that's what we've seen this week. Whatever you think about him, no one can deny that he's a man of action. He has that pragmatic, objective business brain that knows how to see a situation for what it is, not what one would wish it to be. What I can't quite tell, though, is whether this is simply a function of the 'mainstream' political class being so utterly useless – an 'in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king' situation – or whether Trump has actually sobered up a bit and started to take his political responsibilities seriously. My feeling is that it's the latter. This may partly explain his fall in popularity among his core MAGA base, who loved him when he pretended to be as swivel-eyed as they are but are unhappy with his failure to release the putative 'Epstein files' said to implicate high-ranking business tycoons and other politicians with the late paedophile, or with his willingness to bomb Iran's nuclear sites. But Trump may find that what he loses there he will gain elsewhere, among more moderate, middle-class Americans who, like moderate, middle-class Brits, just want some semblance of law, order and fairness restored. His 'good friend' and British mini-me, Nigel Farage, is entering similar territory. Far from imploding under the pressure of public scrutiny, as his rivals had hoped and, to some extent, been counting on, the Reform leader also seems to be gaining in credibility. Increasing numbers of my small-c conservative friends are now starting to tell me they could 'see themselves' voting for him: a year ago, that would have been unthinkable. There is an army of 'shy Faragistes' out there – and it's growing. Again, in what mad parallel universe does Farage now sound sensible and sane? The answer is, one where the prevailing political class has completely lost its credibility, its moral compass – and its cojones. Could it be that after years of obfuscation and gaslighting, we are now entering a brave new world of politicians who tell it like it is and get the job done? One hardly dares to hope. What a strange and alien place that would be. But thrilling, nonetheless.
BBC News
6 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Trump deserves Open at Turnberry, says son
The son of US President Donald Trump says his father "deserves" to have his Turnberry course host The Open again - but will probably have left the White House by the time it Ayrshire venue, regarded as one of the best in golf, last hosted the world's oldest major championship in 2009, five years before Trump bought the in an exclusive interview, Eric Trump told BBC Sport: "It deserves it, and I truly think that my father's been a guy who also deserves it."He added: "There's no-one that's been better for the game of golf. He's been a cheerleader his entire life, because he loves it and he believes in it."In time that will be rewarded. We'll be given our shot and again it will be a great honour and a great testament to a great legacy when we do." But the 41-year-old, who runs the golf courses in his father's property business, said: "I think chances are by the time an Open comes back around, his time in government will be gone and we'll be back to being a strictly commercial company."President Trump's second term in office will end in early 2029. Host venues for the Open from 2028 have not yet been asked why he felt Turnberry had been overlooked over recent years, Eric Trump said: "I think the elephant in the room was, frankly, politics, for a very long time." 'Turnberry is ready' Earlier this month, the R&A said "big logistical issues" around local infrastructure had to be overcome before Turnberry could be awarded The body's chief executive Mark Darbon said the course remained in its pool of venues - but claimed there was "some work to do on the road, rail and accommodation infrastructure around Turnberry".But Eric Trump disagrees, insisting "the actual infrastructure, the actual plant, the physical location is really second to none, anywhere"."You could host the Open Championship on that course tomorrow," he added. "It's impeccable, and Turnberry is ready for it."He added: "I think any challenge can be worked through and solved with smart people."In 2021, the then head of the R&A implied the course would not be restored to the Open rota while President Trump was associated with the venue, expressing concerns that the focus would be off the this year, Eric Trump met R&A officials at St Andrews to discuss the event returning to Turnberry - but does he think his father's divisive political position remains a concern for the R&A?"No, honestly, I think it's changed a lot to tell you the truth," he said."I think the calculus today is a bit different but no, the political side never came up but I think what the R&A wants is the greatest courses, they're focused on quality." Darbon has acknowledged that UK government officials have also spoken with the R&A about the possibility of Turnberry hosting The Trump hosted the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the course during a visit to Scotland - the country where his mother was born - earlier this week, and called for the championship to return, calling it "the best resort in the world".Asked about the issue at Monday's joint press conference, Starmer said: "The decision on The Open is not a decision for me."Eric Trump insisted he did not know whether his father had spoken directly to the Prime Minister about it, but claimed: "Turnberry will win the Open Championship at the right time, based on the merits of it being the greatest golf course on earth, that's what's going to win the day.""I didn't specifically talk about the championship, but I think he too realises the importance of that asset to the west coast of Scotland and, to frankly, the nation's economy."Trump was speaking after he accompanied his father to the opening of a new 18-hole course at the Aberdeenshire resort the family also owns near Balmedie. The Scottish government has announced that £180,000 of public money is being spent to help bring the DP World Tour's Nexo Championship to the venue next month."It's probably the last links course that will ever be built in the UK, and I truly think we have the best 36 holes anywhere in the world," Eric Trump resort is yet to make a profit, but he added: "Here's the good news. We don't give a damn, right. This is our Mona Lisa. If we spent $100m and never got a penny back, it doesn't make any difference. We wanted to do something incredible."The Trumps' development of the course has also faced criticism from some local residents concerned about the impact on the environment. In response, Eric Trump said: "We've done a hell of a job and for anybody to say that the Trump Organisation hasn't brought economic development to Scotland. I mean, it's freaking laughable, and it wasn't always easy to tell you the truth."Frankly, if we weren't as stubborn as we are, we probably would have thrown in the towel many times over."
The Guardian
18 hours 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.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Paul McGinley tees off with Donald Trump as US President opens new course in Scotland
The former European Ryder Cup captain and ex-DP World Tour board member joined the US President, his son Eric and his Sky Sports Golf colleague Rich Beem in hitting the opening tee shots on the New Course in Menie. More than 40 big names in the golf business world, as well as former footballers Robbie Fowler, Jim Leighton, Gianfranco Zola, and Andrei Shevchenko, teed it up at the venue, which is one of 15 Trump golf properties. McGinley recently expressed his disappointment that Trump-owned Turnberry is currently out in the cold when it comes to The Open rota. Speaking on the Indo Sport Podcast, McGinley said: "I think the best course is Turnberry and I think it's a real shame that we're not playing it." He added: "I know people have a lot of views on Trump, but I'll tell you what, he's done a hell of a job with the work he has done in Turnberry." Trump also owns Doonbeg, which is just 20 miles from Lahinch, where McGinley was host when it staged the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2019. The Clare venue is understood to be on track to host the Amgen Irish Open next year. US pharmaceutical giants Horizon Therapeutics took over as Irish Open sponsors in 2022 with a deal to back the event until 2027. Horizon was subsequently acquired by Amgen, an American multinational biopharmaceutical company, in 2023. Amgen, which has major pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Ireland, took over the sponsorship of the Irish Open, which will be held at The K Club in September. Golfers Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Séamus Power and Brendan Lawlor are ambassadors for Amgen, which could be seriously affected by President Trump's trade war. As the Irish Independent reported this week, there is confusion in Government and the EU about what products will be covered by the baseline 15pc tariff, which activates on Friday following the US trade deal. It is still unclear if pharmaceuticals, which are critical to the Irish economy, will be included in the 15pc bracket or if they could yet be hit with a higher levy.
The Guardian
a day 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.
