Trump Eyes Turnberry for 2028 British Open – But R&A Holds Final Say
04/30/2025 by Laura Gailus
Donald Trump is pushing for the 2028 Open Championship to be held at Turnberry – but the decision ultimately lies with the R&A.
Turning up the heat: Trump pushes for the British Open to return to Turnberry in 2028. (Photo: Getty)
Donald Trump isn’t letting up. The former U.S. President has spent years making it known: he wants the Open Championship back at Turnberry. The last time the Claret Jug was contested on the iconic Ayrshire links was in 2009, when roughly 120,000 spectators attended. The Open has since grown into a far bigger spectacle, and Trump believes the time is right for a return. The course may be ready – but is it ready enough?
Trump Wants the Open Back at Turnberry
If Donald Trump had his way, the 2028 Open Championship would be staged at a course he knows intimately: Turnberry. The storied Scottish links has been part of the Trump Organization since 2014, and the former president has repeatedly expressed his desire to see The Open return to the venue. According to British media reports, Trump has even raised the issue directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer – not once, but multiple times.
Sources within the British government confirm there have been conversations with the R&A about hosting the Major. However, a spokesperson for the prime minister emphasized that decisions regarding Open venues rest solely with the championship’s organizers – not with politicians.
R&A Open to the Idea – With Conditions Attached
The R&A is sticking to that stance, but there are signs of interest. New CEO Mark Darbon recently stated he would welcome a return to Turnberry. Still, there’s a major caveat – and it has to do with logistics.
Since the 2009 Open, the event has grown dramatically. This year’s championship at Royal Portrush is expected to draw nearly 280,000 spectators – more than double Turnberry’s 2009 attendance. That’s the core issue: the area’s roads, railways, and accommodation infrastructure simply aren’t built for crowds of that scale.
Turnberry Under Review – No Decision Yet
Whether Turnberry can realistically host the 2028 Open is now the subject of a feasibility study. The R&A is currently assessing whether local infrastructure can be upgraded – and if so, at what cost. Early estimates suggest the required investment could run into the tens of millions.
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