Government officials at Downing Street reject claims of advocacy for Trump Turnberry to stage The Open in 2028.
The Skinny on Trump's Persistent Pitches for the 2028 Open at Turnberry
There's a bit of a stir as former U.S. Prez Donald Trump keeps asking Sir Keir Starmer to let golf's oldest major, the Open, take place at his Turnberry course in 2028. But, it seems the choice of hosts is none of the Government's business, according to Downing Street.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson didn't exactly deny that Whitehall officials had reached out to the R&A, the folks who organize theOpen Championship, but they stressed it was all independent of the Government.
"Nah, I'm not gonna spill the beans on specific chats, but it's the sporting bodies that call the shots on tournament venues," the spokesperson said, casually. "The Government just does the usual schmoozing with sporting bodies when it comes to events, but that's about it."
However, when asked if Trump—who last hosted the Open in 2009—brought up Turnberry in his chats with the PM, the spokesperson clammed up, only stating that decisions on tournament venues are rightfully the responsibility of the relevant sporting bodies.
The R&A, on the other hand, admitted they regularly chat with Government and local government about venues. They've also let the Government know about the nitty-gritty logistical issues at Turnberry, like road and rail access, and accommodations. It seems these challenges might just be too much for the 2028 Open, considering the 278,000 expected attendees is almost double the number from the 2009 event at Royal Portrush.
PA
Enrichment Data- Donald Trump's Requests for the 2028 Open Championship at Turnberry:Reports indicate that Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, has made repeated requests to the UK Government to influence the R&A into hosting the 2028 Open Championship at Turnberry, a golf course he owns in Scotland[2][4]. These requests have led to involvement from senior UK officials, who have inquired about the possibility of hosting the event at Turnberry[4].- Logistical Challenges at Turnberry:Despite Trump's efforts and government interest, several logistical challenges are associated with hosting the Open Championship at Turnberry. The R&A has typically emphasized that golf should be the primary focus of the tournament, possibly hinting at concerns about Trump's controversial persona overshadowing the event[2]. Additionally, Turnberry's financial situation has been a concern; the resort's operating company, run by Trump's sons, reported significant losses in recent years, aside from a small profit in 2023[2]. The R&A has communicated with the government about these challenges, stating they have outlined the logistical hurdles to the government, ensuring they are informed about the situation[1]. However, officials from Turnberry remain optimistic, stating they will be ready if given the opportunity to host[2].
- The clear persistence of Donald Trump in requesting the 2028 Open Championship at his Turnberry course in Scotland has stirred conversations in the realm of politics.
- The potential hosting of golf's oldest major at Turnberry in 2028 seems independent of government business, according to Downing Street, but Whitehall officials have reportedly reached out to the R&A.
- The Prime Minister's spokesperson has stressed that sporting bodies, not the government, hold the power to decide tournament venues, though they admitted to regular discussions with such bodies regarding events.
- In the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, reports indicate repeated requests by Donald Trump to influence the R&A into hosting the 2028 Open Championship at Turnberry, citing logistical challenges like road and rail access, accommodations, and potentially overshadowing controversies.
