Even a brief look at this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush highlights why discussions about Turnberry hosting golf’s oldest major are unrealistic. Regardless of who owns Turnberry, its inadequate nearby facilities make it unsuitable for the event. The Ayrshire course, praised again by its current owner during a recent visit, remains unable to accommodate the Open as things stand.
This need not be an issue for the owner, who can still achieve some recognition for Turnberry—one of the world’s finest courses—through other means. It would now be surprising if Turnberry does not join the Scottish Open’s rotation in the near future. Mutual benefit exists if the owner can accept an event slightly lower in stature than the championship desired since acquiring the venue in 2014.
The governing body behind professional golf in Europe has shown skill in handling complex situations, perhaps doing so discreetly. It was this organization that helped integrate Saudi Arabia into competitive golf, and it continues to allow players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to pursue Ryder Cup eligibility despite previous sanctions related to other tournaments.
As attention turns to Royal Porthcawl and the Women’s Open this week, where rising star Lottie Woad aims to continue her impressive run, the Legends Tour—reserved for older players—will visit a course in Aberdeen owned by the same individual. Days later, the Nexo Championship will take place at the same location. Organizers have arranged these events without notable criticism, a pattern likely to persist as competition unfolds.
Some may see this as a masterclass in managing public perception, while others might view it as indifference toward the organizers’ decisions. This is not to imply objections are necessary, only to note that the owner has steadily expanded golf-related ventures in a foreign country. Both the Nexo Championship and an upcoming course development have received public funding—over £180,000 from Scottish authorities.
Doonbeg, another property under the same ownership, is reportedly being considered for the Irish Open, possibly as early as 2026. The venue, with its scenic surroundings and lodging options, would be a fitting host. Like Scotland, Ireland should have coastal courses for its national championship.
The head of the European golf organization recently attended an event alongside the owner in Aberdeenshire before the unveiling of a new course on the same estate.
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