Turnberry to remain on Open Schedule

Despite the highly toxic Trump owning Turnberry, the R&A has decided not to exclude it from the Open venue roster.

All that Martin Slumbers, the new CEO of the R&A, has conceded is that it could be years before the Open returns to Turnberry, and the hallowed Ailsa Course.

It certainly won’t be going there any time before 2022, so you can hear the sound of a ball being kicked into the long grass, of which there is an abundant supply at Turnberry.

The R&A have adopted the position that “we don’t think it’s appropriate to comment on politics.” Yeah, right. That really is a bit pathetic and frankly spineless. So why did you allow women to join the R&A eventually? That was absolutely nothing to do with politics, of course.

That Troon won’t allow women members before the Open this year has also become an issue again, and we remember just how much flak Peter Dawson got at the pre-event press conference in Muirfield.  

It looks like Martin Slumbers will face the same barrage, unless the membership change can be speeded up, which now seems highly unlikely.

We know all the arguments about single sex membership clubs, and that there is a case to be made – both for men and women only course.

But if you are staging The Open, we don’t think this can be the case. This is UK golf’s annual opportunity to grab everyone’s attention and interest. To bring new people into the game, and show that it is a modern and inclusive game.

We all know how much of an image problem golf has, and the failure to address this issue just holds the game back.

Come July, it will be Muirfield all over again, with the focus off the golf and onto this issue. It is inevitable, and everyone, but everyone knows that only too well. Mr. Slumbers, we suggest that you start getting fitted for your flak jacket now. You’re going to need it.

For more on The Open click here to read about 5 amazing courses that have never staged an Open.