The R&A joins the PGA in cutting ties with Trump branded golf clubs

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir January 11, 2021 17:10

The R&A, golf’s governing body outside of the USA and Mexico, has said it will not stage a championship at Trump Turnberry for the ‘foreseeable future’, following a similar move by the PGA of America.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We had no plans to stage any of our championships at Turnberry and will not do so in the foreseeable future.

“We will not return until we are convinced that 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.”

Turnberry’s Ailsa course has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions between 1977 and 2009, but has not been selected as a host since Donald Trump bought the property in 2014.

Trump Turnberry hosted the Open Championship four times between 1977 and 2009

This follows the announcement that the PGA of America voted to terminate an agreement with Trump National, which will now not host the US PGA Championship in 2022. Organisers felt using the course as host would be ‘detrimental’, after supporters of the US president recently entered Congress.

A representative for the Trump Organization said they were “incredibly disappointed” with the decision.

“It has become clear that conducting the PGA Championship at Trump Bedminster would be detrimental to the PGA of America brand and would put at risk the PGA’s ability to deliver our many programmes and sustain the longevity of our mission,” said PGA of America president Jim Richerson.

“It was a decision made to ensure the PGA of America and PGA professionals can continue to lead and grow our game for decades to come.”

The course in New Jersey, one of 17 courses around the world owned by Trump, was due to host the major in May 2022.

“We have had a beautiful partnership with the PGA of America,” Trump’s representative added.

“This is a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.”

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir January 11, 2021 17:10
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17 Comments

  1. Dunn January 21, 13:11

    Shame! one of the best courses in the world, but sorry anything associated with Trumpton is toxic now and quite rightly so.

    Reply to this comment
  2. MSulpizio January 17, 21:22

    Great course must play an open there and you will I’m sure

    Reply to this comment
  3. Taggart January 15, 16:59

    Probably the best course in the UK. Crazy decision, money talks !!

    Reply to this comment
  4. Cuthbertson January 15, 11:10

    It is regrettable to hear that the R&A will not stage the Open Championship at Turnberry for the foreseeable future (“R&A rules out Turnberry for Open under Trump”, Herald Sport, January 12). Turnberry is a magnificent golf course and has previously been a tough challenge for the world’s top golfers.

    Many will remember the famous “Duel in the Sun” of 1977 between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, and it will always be one of the world’s finest golf venues. The views from the Turnberry Links over the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Ailsa Craig can only be described as breathtaking and with the iconic lighthouse and hotel overlooking the course, it is distinctive and memorable. When golf has been televised from Turnberry I think everyone will always remember the beautifully sculptured links course with the features that I have mentioned standing out.

    It is very unfortunate that Turnberry is owned and operated by the Trump Organisation and of course is now known as Trump Turnberry. Therefore I can fully understand the R&A’ s stance on not considering Turnberry as an Open venue. The decision by the PGA of America to move the 2022 USA PGA Championship from Bedminster, New Jersey is probably welcomed by most US golfers and as stated by the PGA, should not be allowed to be “detrimental” to the USA PGA brand. I am not a believer in politics being involved in sport but after the terrible scenes in Washington last week I am fully behind the decision of the USA PGA and the R&A’s recent statement. Golf should not be associated with this type of outrage.

    In Scotland we are extremely fortunate to have an array of wonderful golf courses but I will still look forward to the return of Turnberry to the Open schedule sometime in the future.

    Reply to this comment
  5. Linsday January 14, 17:51

    I am not a Trump fan but feel very sad for Turnberry and Allan and his team that they are being punished because of Trump #team

    Reply to this comment
  6. King January 14, 12:37

    Covid has caused a massive increase in the indoctrination and brainwashing by the fake media. Imagine how many venerable citizens have been infected with this diabolical attempt to follow the lefts bed wetting narrative.

    Reply to this comment
  7. MalcH January 13, 12:38

    It all about money :- sponsors, broadcasting and self interest. Can’t see DT having difficulty in getting a teetime at any of his courses. In terms of Turnberry, the course changes strengthened the course & is outstanding – pity it won’t feature for a while as an Open Championship……

    Reply to this comment
  8. MM January 13, 12:18

    Quite right … he’s just added inciting sedition to his many other talents such as bullying, cronyism, abject failure on Covid leading to the deaths of 375,000 Americans so far, alleged rape, corruption and tax evasion! Can’t wait to play it again once it’s stripped from him..!‍♂️✊

    Reply to this comment
    • djm January 13, 14:29

      Calm down dear

      But you do win a prize for including in the comments the most unsubstantiated allegations in one sentence

      Reply to this comment
  9. FB January 13, 11:47

    This is a short sighted and very hypocritical, I agree with Vito comment fully.

    Reply to this comment
  10. Drummond January 12, 14:04

    So much for keeping politics and sport separate…..

    Reply to this comment
  11. KeenP January 12, 13:22

    But still deem it ok to host events in Saudi Arabia.

    Reply to this comment
  12. MSmith January 12, 11:11

    Meanwhile playing the Women’s Scottish Open at Uber exclusive & ridiculously expensive Renaissance Club, not to mention countless Middle-East despotic oil rich nations. Complete hypocrites!

    Reply to this comment
  13. Vito January 12, 09:43

    Be careful what you wish for. This is a terrible business decision. Why not just stay silent, move forward, business as usual. Let’s everybody else fight over the scraps. This will not age well.

    Reply to this comment
    • djm January 13, 12:15

      Spot on Vito

      This coordinated assault on all things connected to Trump has eerie connotations with 1930s Germany & Judenrein.

      & in the meantime the R&A & PGA see no problems in associating with & promoting despotic Middle East countries

      Reply to this comment
  14. JG January 12, 07:12

    Why? In doing this who are you harming? Do you really think it’s Trump? Or is it the employees of these locations? A case of cutting of your nose to spite your face! So short sighted!

    Reply to this comment
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