Investigation: R&A considers possibility of bringing back the Open to Turnberry under Trump's ownership

The R&A confirmed on Tuesday that it is currently exploring the possibility of bringing back The Open Championship to Donald Trump's Turnberry.

The seaside course, located in South Ayrshire, Scotland, has been under the ownership of the U.S. president since 2014.

Turnberry has previously hosted The Open four times, with the most recent being in 2009. During that tournament, Stewart Cink emerged as the victor after defeating 59-year-old Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff to claim the coveted Claret Jug.

Following the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, the R&A had previously stated that they would not hold any championships at Turnberry.

However, according to R&A chief executive Mark Darbon, a potential return to the course is more of a logistical issue rather than a political one.

\"At Turnberry, there are certainly some logistical and commercial challenges that we need to address, particularly with regards to the road, rail, and accommodation infrastructure,\" Darbon stated in an interview with British media. \"We are currently conducting feasibility studies to determine what it would take to return to that venue and the investments that would be required.\"

Darbon also noted that the attendance at the 2009 Open at Turnberry was just over 120,000, compared to the expected crowd of 280,000 at this year's tournament at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

\"What we can say for certain is that the golf course itself is exceptional, so we would love to return there at some point in the future,\" Darbon added.

Turnberry has also played host to The Open in 1977, 1986, and 1994.