Government says Open hosting decisions around Trump Turnberry up to R&A

Following allegations that US President Donald Trump has requested the 2028 event be held at his Turnberry course, the UK government claims that the R&amp, A has the authority to choose the host organization.

Apparently, Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump have spoken to Prime Minister about the return of the Ayrshire venue, which hosted the event last in 2009, about the Open.

Numerous sources have informed BBC Sport that the UK government has inquired about its position on the subject in recent months.

The prime minister’s spokesman confirmed that those claims were true, but that any interaction with sporting organizations was “part of the business of government” and not a matter of hosting decisions.

It’s up to sporting bodies to decide where to hold competitions, not the government, the spokesman said.

“The government is obviously in regular contact with sporting bodies on tournaments in the usual way,” he added.

The R&amp, A spokesman said, “We regularly speak with the government and local government about venues.

Five years after Turnberry last hosted the Open, President Trump purchased it and has since spent over $200 million on improvements. He publicly demanded that it host the Open once more in 2023.

New R&amp, A CEO Mark Darbon stated last week that he would like to see the course host the tournament again, and that not only the owner, but also that logistical issues stand in for him.

Since Turnberry hosted the Open in 2009, there have been significantly more spectators than ever, with 278 000 of those expected to attend this year’s event at Royal Portrush.

With question marks over transportation and lodging, a feasibility study was ordered to determine whether the location and town are able to handle such figures.

In contrast to Martin Slumbers, Darbon’s predecessor, who had vehemently suggested that the course would not be reinstated to the Open rota while Trump was associated with the venue, expressing concerns that the focus would be off the course, Darbon’s position is significantly different.

In response to Trump’s tariff policy and ongoing trade talks between the two nations, it seems as though Whitehall officials have pushed for the Open to be returned to Turnberry.

Any pressure being applied, according to sources on both sides.