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Eric Trump: Politics has no place in golf – Turnberry should host The Open

Composite image of Eric Trump and Donald Trump at Turnberry golf course
Composite image of Eric Trump and Donald Trump at Turnberry golf course

There are few men in history who have done more to promote the game of golf than Donald J. Trump. Similarly, there are few companies that could have done a better job restoring one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations: Trump Turnberry.

For anyone fortunate enough to visit Turnberry, it is ingrained in their memory forever. 

From the famous “Duel in the Sun” in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, to Greg Norman’s epic battle in 1986, to Nick Price’s 1994 win in which he tied Watson’s Ailsa course record, to 59-year-old Tom Watson’s playoff battle with Stewart Cink in 2009, they all have one thing in common: they took place on Turnberry’s fabled grounds.

Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 - GETTY IMAGES
Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 - GETTY IMAGES

In 2014, my family had the great honor to purchase one of golf’s most legendary properties. But, despite its extraordinary history, Turnberry needed love. That came in the form of our family’s undivided attention and vision. Having invested nearly $200 million since its acquisition, no one has been more dedicated or committed to preserving Turnberry than the Trump family.

Today, the hotel is among the best anywhere in the world with some of the most spectacular guest suites, villas and ballrooms in Europe.

The Ailsa Course is regularly ranked the best in the world and No 1 in the United Kingdom – with accolade after accolade, and in publication after publication – Turnberry consistently tops every chart.

The Lighthouse, situated on the famed ruins of King Robert the Bruce’s Castle and alongside the spectacular ninth hole, is one of the most photographed locations in Scotland.

The Lighthouse at Turnberry
The Lighthouse at Turnberry

Additionally, the three magnificent WWI and WWII Royal Air Force runways provide a glimpse into history while simultaneously allowing unlimited parking for even the largest major championships.

From every blade of grass, to every bunker, every Swarovski crystal chandelier, to the magnificent marble and granite stonework, to the elaborate network of fiber-optic conduit under every golf hole strategically placed for the tournament camera towers, no detail has been overlooked and no expense has been spared.

The hotel was built with the most discerning golf enthusiasts in mind and the Ailsa, designed alongside the R&A, was created to challenge the greatest professional golfers on earth.

In her history, Turnberry has hosted four Open Championships, the last in 2009. Since our family’s acquisition, we have only improved her beauty, her presentation and her ability to host world-class events.

Trump Turnberry hotel
Trump Turnberry hotel

In 2017, my father gave up the comforts of private life to take on the most challenging job on earth: The President of the United States of America. During his time in office, there was no better ally to the United Kingdom. He brought our nations and the world unbelievable strength, safety and prosperity, but he also sacrificed a great deal personally and professionally.

In a family so deeply dedicated to the birthplace of golf, never could we have imagined that politics could potentially jeopardize Turnberry’s ability to host another Open. This should not be about politics; it should be about the game of golf and showcasing the most spectacular venue in the United Kingdom and the world.

I love Scotland. My whole family does. It holds a special place in our hearts and is the birthplace of my grandmother Mary Anne MacLeod. Over the last several years I have visited Scotland so often that I ran out of pages in my passport.

At a time when companies are not exactly flocking to do business in Scotland, we are an American family investing a fortune and working hard to preserve one of the most iconic assets in the country.

Today, Turnberry is considered by all to be the best golf facility in the world – the players, the writers, the spectators, and the entire golfing community. It deserves all of the hype, and it deserves to be cherished. Most importantly, however, it deserves to be in the rota for the Open Championship.

If we get the call, and I sincerely hope we do, I promise the R&A that we will be the best hosts the Open Championship has ever seen.

Turnberry’s best days, and most memorable moments, lie ahead.

I hope we are given the opportunity. Turnberry deserves to host The Open. Until then, she is in great hands, and we will always safeguard this national treasure.

Eric Trump is the Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization

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