Donald Trump’s hopes of seeing The Open return to his Turnberry course have received a major boost — with LIV Golf reportedly helping to soften attitudes among decision-makers in the sport.
Turnberry, located on Scotland’s South Ayrshire coast, last hosted The Open in 2009. Since then, the R&A has steered clear of the Trump-owned venue, citing logistical challenges around transport, accommodation, and infrastructure — as well as political controversies surrounding the Trump brand.
Back in 2021, former R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers made it clear that Turnberry would not stage the championship “as long as politics overshadowed golf.” But according to the resort’s new general manager, Nic Oldham, the tide may be turning.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Oldham revealed that the emergence of LIV Golf has reshaped the sport’s dynamics, opening minds to previously dismissed possibilities.
“I think the story has changed. LIV has shifted attitudes, and people are more open-minded now than they were,” he said. “At first, there was a closed view, but now the conversations feel more sensible. Martin Slumbers was fair in closing the door at the time, but today there’s recognition that a feasibility study is needed. That makes the prospect more open than it has ever been.”
Since Slumbers’ comments, Trump has returned to the White House for a second, non-consecutive term as U.S. President. His family — led by his son Eric Trump — continues to oversee Turnberry’s development and operations, with ongoing investments aimed at keeping the resort among the world’s elite golf destinations.
Trump has also played an active role in golf’s power struggle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, hosting meetings at the White House with representatives from both sides in a bid to help resolve the long-running dispute.
And while the 45th President’s political history once proved a stumbling block, the continued rise of LIV Golf — and its success in changing traditional golf’s power structures — appears to be working in Trump’s favor.
For Turnberry, long considered one of the most scenic Open venues, a potential return to the championship rotation no longer seems out of reach.
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