The Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland, owned by former US president Donald Trump, is set to become the most expensive in the UK, with green fees reaching up to £1,000 for a single round. This premium rate will be introduced at specific peak times starting next June, primarily for golfers who are not staying at the resort’s five-star hotel and spa and wish to play before 13:00.
A Strategy to Protect Members and Guests
According to Nic Oldham, the general manager of Trump Turnberry, the decision to implement this steep fee is aimed at safeguarding tee times for the resort’s members and hotel guests. Oldham highlighted that staying at the hotel and playing on the renowned Ailsa course would offer better value than paying the standalone green fee, as it would provide a full five-star experience. He also emphasized that the resort’s business model needs to be sustainable beyond just selling rounds of golf, given its status as a complete resort.
Turnberry’s Prestigious Legacy
Turnberry is highly regarded as one of the top five golf courses in the world and has a rich history, having hosted The Open Championship four times. The 1977 “Duel In The Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, one of the most famous golf matches ever, took place on this course. Despite its prestigious history, Turnberry has not been included in The Open’s schedule since Trump purchased the resort in 2014.
Before its 2016 reopening under Trump’s ownership, golfers could play the Ailsa course for about £150. Starting from next June, the fee for non-hotel residents will surge to £1,000 for morning slots and around £550 at other times.
Comparison with Other Expensive Courses
Trump Turnberry’s new fee structure places it far above other top UK golf courses in terms of cost. Some of the next most expensive green fees in the UK include:
Kingsbarns, Fife – £374
Muirfield, East Lothian – £325
Royal Troon, North Ayrshire – £315
Royal Lytham and St Anne’s, Lancashire – £305
These courses, while expensive, do not approach Turnberry’s new rates.
Controversy and Defense
The announcement of the new pricing has sparked criticism on social media, with some accusing Trump Turnberry of making the sport inaccessible to ordinary golfers. However, Michael McEwan, deputy editor of Bunkered magazine, argued that the move is not intended to exclude golfers but to preserve the most sought-after tee times for members and hotel residents. McEwan acknowledged that £1,000 is a substantial amount but defended the pricing by highlighting the exceptional quality of the course and the overall experience at Turnberry.
Turnberry’s Global Appeal
The Trump Turnberry resort underwent significant refurbishment after Trump acquired it in 2014, attracting thousands of amateur golfers annually, particularly from the USA and Japan. The course’s allure lies not only in its world-class design and maintenance but also in its stunning coastal views, solidifying its reputation as one of the best golf courses globally.
Donald Trump also owns another golf resort in Scotland, located at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire. This course, which opened in 2012, has been controversial due to its environmental impact, particularly on what was a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) before the development.
Despite handing over control of both courses to his sons before his presidency in 2017, Trump retains a financial interest in them, continuing to be associated with these high-profile golfing destinations.
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