R&A Considers Turnberry’s Return for The Open Amid Logistical Challenges

R&A Considers Turnberry’s Return as Host for The Open

April 22, 2025, 09:58 AM ET

In the world of golf, few venues are as iconic as Turnberry, the seaside course nestled in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Owned by U.S. President Donald Trump since 2014, Turnberry has a storied history with The Open, having hosted the prestigious tournament four times, the last being in 2009 when Stewart Cink emerged victorious. However, the course has been absent from the rotation since then, and the R&A is now contemplating its return.

Mark Darbon, the chief executive of the R&A, expressed a keen interest in seeing Turnberry back in the spotlight. However, he emphasized that several factors need to be considered before making a decision. “At Turnberry, there are definitely some logistical and commercial challenges that we face around the road, rail, and accommodation infrastructure,” Darbon told British media. “We’re doing some feasibility work around what it would look like to return to that venue and the investment that it would require.”

It’s worth noting that in 2021, following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, the R&A announced it would not stage championships at Turnberry. Darbon clarified that this decision was primarily due to logistical concerns rather than political ones.

The 153rd edition of The Open is set to take place from July 13-20 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The R&A has announced that a record attendance of 278,000 fans is expected at the event, highlighting the growing popularity and scale of the tournament. “The last time we were there [Turnberry], I think we had just over 120,000 people,” Darbon said. “We’ve just announced that this summer we’re going to welcome nearly 280,000 people here [at Royal Portrush]. A modern Open Championship is a large-scale event.”

Despite the challenges, Darbon remains optimistic about Turnberry’s potential. “What we know for sure is the golf course is brilliant, so at some point we’d love to be back there,” he stated. The allure of Turnberry’s stunning landscape and challenging course design continues to captivate the golfing world, making it a desirable location for future tournaments.

• Turnberry has hosted The Open four times, most recently in 2009.
• The R&A is conducting feasibility studies to assess the venue’s potential return.
• Logistical challenges include road, rail, and accommodation infrastructure.
• The 153rd edition of The Open will be held at Royal Portrush with a record attendance expected.

As the R&A weighs its options, the golfing community eagerly awaits the possibility of Turnberry’s return to the rotation. The decision will ultimately hinge on the outcome of the feasibility studies and the ability to address the logistical challenges that have been identified. Until then, fans can look forward to another thrilling edition of The Open at Royal Portrush, where the world’s best golfers will compete for the coveted Claret Jug.