Donald Trump to make Open return case for Turnberry as US President flies into Scotland
The Donald wants his Ayrshire course back on the Open rotation after controversy and poor infrastructure affected attendance
Air Force One is expected to touch down in Aberdeen this summer ahead of Donald Trump paying flying visits to the Scottish jewels in his golfing crown.
It has emerged that the US President is almost certain to attend the official opening of his new 18 hole course at Trump International at Balmedie on the outskirts of the city ahead of his proposed royal visit later in the year.
Trump is also understood to be planning to combine his visit to the north-east with a trip to Ayrshire to trumpet his case for Turnberry to be reinstated to The Open schedule.
No date has been announced for the official unveiling of the multi-million pound second links course on the Menie Estate, but it is likely to be within the next couple of months.
Work on the spectacular New Course is close to completion and will create 'The Greatest 36 holes of Golf' alongside the Old Course opened in 2012, according to Trump's executive vice-president at the International Golf Links, Sarah Malone.
Trump's most recent visit to the highly acclaimed resort was in 2023 to coincide with work commencing on the second course.
It had initially been planned to name the new 18 holes MacLeod after Trump's Lewis-born mother, Mary, but Malone explained that the decision to refer to the two courses as the Old and New is a nod to tradition.
Malone also highlighted the practicalities of doing so from a business perspective, adding: 'Having 36 holes is a big thing. It gives us limitless options and possibilities for tournament and professional play.'
Trump International has already secured two top tournaments this summer in the shape of the €1 million Staysure PGA Seniors Championship from July-31 to August 3, and the Scottish Championship the following week.
Eight-time European No 1 and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie will again host the seniors tournament prior to the groundbreaking DP World Tour event worth $2.75 million in prize money.
Trump has owned the world-renowned Turnberry Links since 2014 - five years after the Ailsa course hosted the most recent of its four Open Championships.
A combination of the controversy surrounding Trump's ownership and the infrastructure, which makes it the least well attended of the Open venues, has resulted in Turnberry disappearing from the championship schedule.
But new R&A chief executive, Mark Darbon hinted recently about the possibility of Turnberry being reinstated to the rota following further improvements to the venue.
Meanwhile, Monty has called on Open chiefs to bury the hatchet with Trump and accept a financial hit if necessary, due to Turnberry's status as a world class venue.
He insisted: 'Turnberry needs to happen. It's ranked No 1 and rightly so. It's the best course we have - not in Scotland but in Britain. I don't think I'm being biased saying that. I think that's what we all feel.
'So to host the greatest championship in golf is a must somewhere down the line and let's hope it happens sooner rather than later. Yes, very much so.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
SNP's Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent in 2026
The veteran MSP and former minister said his decision was 'not an easy one' but was driven by disillusionment with the direction of his party and the state of the Scottish Parliament. READ MORE Mr Ewing said his party had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". 'I have taken [the decision to stand as an independent] because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century,' he said. 'I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself, presently, is letting Scotland's people down.' Mr Ewing, first elected in 1999, served in the governments of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. In recent years, however, he has become one of the SNP's most vocal internal critics, repeatedly challenging party bosses, particularly around the failure to dual the A9. He also criticised party policy on North Sea oil and gas, the proposed deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform, and plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas. He was suspended from the SNP Holyrood group in 2023 after voting against then Green minister Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence, defying party whips. In March this year, he announced he would not stand for re-election as an SNP candidate, but threatened to stand as an independent. In a statement confirming that he would now contest the vote, Mr Ewing criticised what he described as the increasingly 'fractious and tribal' nature of the Scottish Parliament. 'Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood,' he said. 'Choosing the pliant over the talented.' He added: 'It's time for Holyrood to live up to the high expectations people rightly held for it, when my mother, Winnie, reconvened our own Parliament in 1999. It came of age some years ago; surely now it's time for it to grow up.' Mr Ewing urged politicians in the main parties to work together, "whether in a grand coalition or a less formal arrangement", to reform public services and maximise economic growth. When approached by The Herald, Mr Ewing said he had not quit the SNP. However, in a statement, First Minister John Swinney said it "was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing's decision to leave the Scottish National Party". The SNP constitution states that a member "may not contest or be a member of any organisation contesting elections in opposition to the Party", and that the National Secretary has the power to suspend a member who does. A party source said Mr Ewing's membership ceased when he declared their intention to stand against the party. In his statement, the First Minister said: "We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021. 'Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity, and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party. 'The SNP approaches the 2026 election ahead in the polls, with growing support for independence, and I am looking forward to taking our positive, ambitious vision for Scotland's future to the people.' Earlier this year, there was speculation that Mr Ewing could be barred from standing for the SNP again. Although he ultimately passed vetting, the episode sparked tensions within the party. Former cabinet secretary Alex Neil said any move to deselect Mr Ewing would have triggered 'a massive revolt from both the public and within the party', describing him as 'one of the most effective MSPs in Scotland'. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, a close ally of Mr Ewing, also intervened in the row, urging the SNP to consider his 'long-standing contribution' to the party and its values. READ MORE Ms Roddick took to social media shortly after Mr Ewing's announcement to say the election was "about one person or one issue." She said: "I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. "I know how tough things are for many families right now and the scale of the challenges ahead of us. I've never stayed silent on the issues that matter and I won't start now. "I'm SNP because I believe a better future for the Highlands is possible with Scotland as an independent country - and that we only get there by working together. "This election isn't about one person or one issue - it's about who will actually deliver on housing, healthcare, the cost of living, and, of course, infrastructure like the A9. "You'll always get energy, hard work, and honesty from me because I believe the people of Inverness and Nairn deserve nothing less." 🧵 I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. — Emma Roddick MSP (@EmmaRoddickSNP) June 20, 2025 Shaun Fraser, Scottish Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn, said he was not surprised by Mr Ewing's decision. He said: "It must have taken a lot of deliberation and heartbreak for Fergus to decide to stand against the SNP next year. His family pedigree runs through the history of the party like a stick of rock. "I can't say that I'm surprised by his decision, however – it's been a long time coming. Inverness and Nairn need a change of government at Holyrood; only Scottish Labour can deliver that. I wish Fergus well for his retirement after the election." Mr Ewing won the constituency in 2021, with 48% of the vote, and a majority of 9,114. Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain came second. He said: 'By standing as an independent Fergus Ewing has made it clear he simply cannot defend his party's record to voters while out on the campaign trail. 'The SNP have shamefully abandoned the Highlands over their 18 years in power. They continue to put lives at risk with their broken promises on dualling the A9 and A96. 'Countless public services have been downgraded or centralised away from rural and remote areas and there is a chronic lack of housing available to ensure local people can stay in these communities. 'Given someone who was born into the SNP won't stand under their banner, the anger among local voters will be palpable. Next year's election offers those in the Highlands and across Scotland a chance to remove the SNP from office and ensure the focus is finally on people's real priorities.' The Lib Dem candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Neil Alexander, said Mr Ewing should not be allowed to "walk away from the big part he has played" in the SNP's "record of failing the Highlands." He added: "While the two nationalists try to turn our constituency into a battleground for their party feud, I'm focused on what really matters to people here. 'I'm listening to residents across Inverness and Nairn, and the message is clear - we need real action on dualling the A9 and A96, proper investment in Raigmore Hospital, urgent improvements in mental health services and an end to the sewage scandal affecting our rivers and beaches."
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Diplomatic breakthrough elusive as Israel-Iran war stretches into second week
Hours of talks aimed at de-escalating fighting between Israel and Iran failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough as the war entered its second week with a fresh round of strikes between the two adversaries. European ministers and Iran's top diplomat met for four hours Friday in Geneva, as President Donald Trump continued to weigh U.S. military involvement and worries rose over potential strikes on nuclear reactors. European officials expressed hope for future negotiations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue while emphasizing that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the U.S. while Israel continued attacking. 'Iran is ready to consider diplomacy if aggression ceases and the aggressor is held accountable for its committed crimes,' he told reporters. No date was set for the next round of talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's military operation in Iran would continue 'for as long as it takes' to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran's nuclear program and arsenal of ballistic missiles. Israel's top general echoed the warning, saying the Israeli military was ready 'for a prolonged campaign.' But Netanyahu's goal could be out of reach without U.S. help. Iran's underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered to be out of reach to all but America's 'bunker-buster' bombs. Trump said he would put off deciding whether to join Israel's air campaign against Iran for up to two weeks. The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's multitiered air defenses, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Worries rise over the perils of attacking Iran's nuclear reactors Addressing an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr. 'I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, a direct hit would result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,' said Rafael Grossi, chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog. 'This is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences could be most serious.' Israel has not targeted Iran's nuclear reactors, instead focusing its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country's Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital. Grossi has warned repeatedly that such sites should not be military targets. After initially reporting no visible damage from Israel's Thursday strikes on the Arak heavy water reactor, the IAEA on Friday said it had assessed 'key buildings at the facility were damaged,' including the distillation unit. The reactor was not operational and contained no nuclear material, so the damage posed no risk of contamination, the watchdog said. Iran previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the U.S., France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump pulled the U.S. unilaterally out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60% — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% — and restricting access to its nuclear facilities. Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium up to 60%. Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear weapons program but has never acknowledged it. Israel says 'difficult days' ahead Israel said its warplanes hit dozens of military targets across Iran on Friday, including missile-manufacturing facilities, while an Iranian missile hit Israel's northern city of Haifa, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the Mediterranean port and wounding at least 31 people. Iranian state media reported explosions from Israeli strikes in an industrial area of Rasht, along the coast of the Caspian Sea. Israel's military had warned Iranians to evacuate the area around Rasht's Industrial City, southwest of the city's downtown. But with Iran's internet shut off — now for more than 48 hours — it's unclear how many people could see the message. The Israeli military believes it has destroyed most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers, contributing to the steady decline in Iranian attacks. But several of the roughly three dozen missiles that Israel said Iran fired on Friday slipped through the country's aerial defense system, setting off air-raid sirens across the country and sending shrapnel flying into a residential area in the southern city of Beersheba, a frequent target of Iranian missiles where a hospital was hit Thursday.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
The numbers prove the world is ignoring those who talk Scotland down
Despite persistent global headwinds, recent data from EY highlighted Scotland's attractiveness to global investment, and comparatively greater resilience in the face of general economic turbulence. EY's data places Scotland firmly as the UK's top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) outside of London – for the tenth year in a row – while Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow remain among the top six UK cities for FDI projects. Although the total number of new projects in Scotland fell 4.9% from record figures in 2023, that number is marginal compared to a drop of 13% in the rest of the UK, 14% in France and 17% in Germany. READ MORE: Scottish Government announces £23.5 million for active travel programmes Despite a slight dip in the total number of projects in 2024 (135 projects, down from a record 142 in 2023), Scotland's share of overall UK projects actually increased to 15.8% (from 14.4% in 2023). This shows Scotland's relative strength compared to broader declines in FDI across the UK and Europe. EY's survey of global investors found that a quarter of those planning to invest in the UK are targeting Scotland, maintaining the country's long-standing position in investors' eyes as the UK's preferred FDI destination outside of London. I recently visited the Glasgow offices of Canadian IT and business consulting services firm CGI Inc, which employs around 750 people across its Glasgow, Edinburgh, Borders and Aberdeen offices, and has nearly 100,000 employees globally. CGI Inc is one of the many thriving international businesses choosing to call Scotland home. The fascinating ZeroAvia, hailing from the US (and developing full hydrogen-electric aircraft engines), is another new resident, along with the Australian not-for-profit ticketing hub Humanitix, who recently opened an office in Edinburgh. 2025 is bringing further significant investment and exciting projects to Scotland. I realise some may be wondering why this is important, or what Scotland's leading place in FDI means. How does FDI benefit the people of Scotland? FDI plays a crucial role in Scotland's economy, contributing significantly to job creation, economic growth, innovation and exports. Quite simply, foreign-owned companies in Scotland, although representing a smaller percentage of all businesses, have a disproportionately large impact on the economy. READ MORE: Scottish Government launches new 'milestone' plan for disability equality These companies account for a substantial share of employment in Scotland, contributing significantly to job creation. These jobs often offer higher average wages than those in domestically owned businesses. Foreign-owned businesses contribute a disproportionately high percentage to Scotland's Gross Value Added (GVA), indicating that these companies possess high productivity and make an outsized economic impact. Inward investors have outstripped domestic businesses in investing in business research and development spending, which fosters innovation and technological advancement within the nation. These innovators also generate a large portion of the total business turnover in Scotland and become major drivers behind Scottish exports. FDI can bring new skills and management practices, which can 'spill over' and benefit domestic Scottish businesses through supply-chain opportunities, hiring and knowledge sharing. Geopolitical headwinds are clearly affecting investor confidence globally. Scotland's FDI resilience in the face of this crisis of confidence is an incredible endorsement of Scotland as a destination for global investment. Scotland's ability to maintain high project numbers and even increase its share of UK projects comes against a backdrop of a marked decline in FDI across Europe and the UK overall. READ MORE: Scottish Labour drop below Alba and Greens as by-election results called A huge amount of work, across both the private and public sectors, goes into securing these projects, which are vital for economic growth, job creation and bringing benefits across our towns and cities. It's a privilege to work with Team Scotland to secure these global opportunities, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with business partners to build our country's reputation as a world-class location for investment. In this digital and hyper-connected world, the continued pursuit of strategic inward investment will propel Scotland towards being a fairer and more prosperous nation. It's also a sign that investors from abroad don't listen to the relentless whingeing of the opposition in the Scottish Parliament about Scotland. Where the opposition see weakness, international allies see strengths.
