R&A release statement about The Open after Donald Trump claims at LIV Golf Miami

The R&A has released a statement after Donald Trump claimed at LIV Golf Miami that The Open Championship could be making a return to Turnberry.

Ben Smith's picture
Sat, 29 Oct 2022
R&A release statement about The Open after Donald Trump claims at LIV Golf Miami

The R&A has dismissed claims from Donald Trump during the LIV Golf $50m season finale that The Open will return to Turnberry. 

Earlier in the week Trump - who was involved in this hilarious moment in Miami - claimed organisers of The Open wanted to bring the major back to the course he owns on the Ayrshire coast. 

Trump - who has hailed LIV Golf's Saudi backers as "good people" - purchased the resort in 2014 and ploughed millions of dollars into redesigning the course and renovating the hotel. 

Turnberry was among 10 courses used on the Open rota but it has not been hosted there since 2009, when Stewart Cink defeated Tom Watson in a playoff. 

Related: Tom Watson ends marriage after three months

Trump said earlier in the week:

"I can tell you they want to come back. 
"The Open wants to come back. I think this will have to be sorted out first," he added, referring to the ongoing disputes over the breakaway LIV Golf tour.
"It is rated the number one course in Europe now. We did a big surgery on Turnberry and it has gotten great reviews, even from people who hate me.
"They want The Open to go back."

Despite this, the R&A released a statement saying they had no plans to change their position. 

A spokesman said: 

"We will not return until we are convinced that 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."

Related: R&A chief teases LIV Golf decision

Such a statement is not in the least bit surprising considering the R&A's chief executive, Martin Slumbers, said he did not believe LIV Golf was "credible" before the 150th Open championship at St. Andrews. 

This was off the back Greg Norman, LIV Golf's chief executive, not being invited to the past champions' dinner. 

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