Bryson Deccanbeau says he is hosting the first open championship since 2009 for the Scotland Turnberry Course, which is all owned by President Donald Trump.
“I consider it a golf course,” Deccanbeau said Friday after filming a 7-under 65 in the second round of the Royal Portrush opening. “This is one of the best golf courses in the world and we hope to be part of the rotation.
“I haven’t played it, but I’ve heard a lot of great things about it. Whenever you play such a special historic golf course, I think it certainly deserves it.”
Turnberry is in an open rotation of R&A’s 10 views, but it has not played an active role. Before Trump bought the resort, he last hosted the Major 16 years ago. Tom Watson, 59, then-59, made a bogey on the 72nd hole, losing the playoffs with Stewart Sink.
Ahead of opening this week, R&A CEO Mark Darbon said that before Turnberry can hold its oldest major championship again, transport and other issues must be addressed. Durbon said the R&A met with Eric Trump and other Trump Golf leaders a few months ago and said the “big logistical challenges” that Turnberry faces and the talk was constructive.
Former R&A CEO Martin Slumbers previously said Turnberry will not be used until the organization is comfortable.
The next unannounced site after opening is 2028.
Deccanbeau said he believes Trump will make Turnberry a special open venue.
“He probably still respected the R&A and what they were trying to achieve,” Deccanbeau said. “I can’t speak for him, but all I can say is to know him and do his job as much as he can.”
Deccanbo’s relationship with Trump is like he joined him on stage at the election party in Florida in November before Trump once again won the presidency. Deccanbo also played a golf round with Trump and practiced a short game on the Southern Lawn of the White House a few months ago.
Around this time last year, Deccanbo and Trump tried to use the scramble format to break 50 from the forward tee at the President of New Jersey Bedminster Golf Club.
“We’ve got 15 million viewers and more (on YouTube),” Dechambeau said. “it was fun.”
Turnberry first held four Open Championships in 1977.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.