R&A Rejects Trump's Request to Host The Open

Lack of Transportation and Accommodation in Turnberry, Scotland
Priority on Resolving Infrastructure Issues Such as Roads and Railways

It has been revealed that the R&A rejected a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to host The Open.

Mark Davison, CEO of the R&A, disclosed at the official press conference held on July 16 (local time), one day before the opening of The Open, that he had met with President Trump's eldest son and others several months ago to discuss the possibility of returning Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland, United Kingdom, as a host venue for The Open.

Mark Davison, CEO of R&A, is answering questions from the press at the official press conference for The Open. Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland) = Reuters Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap

CEO Davison expressed reluctance regarding Turnberry's return, stating, "The reason we cannot hold The Open at Turnberry is because there is a significant lack of transportation and accommodation facilities." He added, "Our position on Turnberry is very clear. We love Turnberry, but there are logistical issues that need to be resolved." He pointed out, "As you can see from the scale of the setup at Royal Portrush, where The Open is being held this year, there are many challenges we must address regarding the roads, railways, and accommodation infrastructure around Turnberry."

Turnberry was once included in the so-called 'Open Rota,' the rotation of venues for The Open managed by the R&A, but was excluded after 2009. In 2015, during President Trump's first term, after he made a series of discriminatory remarks against immigrants, minorities, and people of color, the R&A removed Turnberry from the 'Open Rota,' stating, "If we hold the tournament at Turnberry, the focus of the event could shift to political controversy."