\n<\/p>\n
This appears to be a significant shift in attitude by the R&A towards Turnberry’s potential hosting of the Open.<\/p>\n
In 2021, then-chief executive Martin Slumbers strongly suggested the course would not be restored to the Open rota while its owner Donald Trump was associated with the venue, expressing concerns that the focus would be off the course.<\/p>\n
“We will not return until we are convinced 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,” he said.<\/p>\n
It was a stance he reiterated as recently as November, after Trump’s second election victory, referencing the risk of “media noise” detracting from the golf.<\/p>\n
But now, his successor Mark Darbon has said he “would love” Turnberry to host the Open again, and has made clear the concerns are logistical rather than political.<\/p>\n
So is this apparent softening in position due to pressure from a British government that may be keen to please a key ally, especially in the wake of Trump’s tariff policy and ongoing trade talks between the two countries?<\/p>\n
In February, it was reported that White House officials raised the possibility of Turnberry returning as a venue for the Open during Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington. King Charles even referenced the course in a letter inviting the president to a second state visit to the UK.<\/p>\n
While the government has not commented, BBC Sport has been told by various senior sources that ministers and their advisers have asked the R&A what its latest thinking is in recent months.<\/p>\n
The R&A view this as a genuine inquiry rather than an attempt to exert influence, and maintain that they retain legitimate concerns over the travel infrastructure and hotel capacity around the course. But if these can be overcome, it does seem they are now more open to the possibility of Turnberry hosting golf’s oldest championship once again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n