Donald Trump has been praised for his work in the golfing world by Sam Torrance, who has backed Turnberry to host the Open Championship once again in the future
Donald Trump has been praised for creating great golf courses(Image: Getty Images)
Sam Torrance has given Donald Trump credit where it’s due, with the Ryder Cup legend acknowledging that the US President excels at creating “great golf courses”.
Trump’s passion for the game is widely recognized, along with his ownership of numerous golf properties around the globe. Turnberry in Scotland stands out as the crown jewel of his collection.
The Ailsa course in Ayrshire is considered among the world’s finest and has been under the American’s ownership since 2014. Yet despite its stellar standing, the course has been missing from the Open Championship lineup ever since the 79-year-old acquired it.
The venue last welcomed the major tournament in 2009, with this week’s championship taking place at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland instead.
But there could be hope on the horizon for enthusiasts eager to witness the tournament’s comeback to Turnberry, as R&A officials have confirmed discussions with Trump’s son Eric about a potential Scottish return, reports the Irish Star.
Torrance, who claimed Ryder Cup victory four times throughout his playing days, weighed in on the Open’s possible homecoming while heaping praise on the politician’s golf course expertise.
Donald Trump has owned Turnberry since 2014(Image: PA)
“Magnificent,” is what Torrance told the Mirror US, courtesy of Lottoland. “There’s one thing the man does, he makes great golf courses. The one up in Aberdeen, I’ve not managed to get there yet, but they say it’s one of the best courses that’s ever been built.
“And the changes at Turnberry are magnificent. It’s hosted a number of Opens. There’s plenty of infrastructure there. It’s well capable. I don’t know how far ahead we are with venues, or how far it’s agreed where they’ll be in the next six or seven years.
“But Turnberry would certainly be very welcome among the players to come back on the list. And I’m a Scotsman, of course I’d want Turnberry back.” R&A chief executive Mark Darbon acknowledged their fondness for the course but pointed out the practical challenges that need addressing before the major can make its anticipated return.
Sam Torrance wasn’t afraid to praise for Trump for his services to golf(Image: Scott Halleran/PGA of America via Getty Images)
“We love the golf course – we’ve not taken it out of our pool of venues – but we have some big logistical issues there,” Darbon explained. “You’ve seen the scale of the set-up here [Royal Portrush] and there’s some work to do on the road, rail and accommodation infrastructure around Turnberry.”
Darbon’s stance is notably different from that of his predecessor, Martin Slumbers, who firmly stated that the Open would not be held at Turnberry as long as Trump was connected to the venue.
“We will not return until we are convinced the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself, and we do not believe that is achievable in the current circumstances,” Slumbers declared in 2021.
