Tag: Trump

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Political Protest Targets Trump Turnberry Club in Scotland

Activists vandalize Trump Turnberry with political messages. (Photo: X@ Pal_action)

Over the weekend, Trump Turnberry made headlines—not for a golfing spectacle, but for a politically motivated act of vandalism. Activists from the group Palestine Action responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial statements about Gaza with a dramatic protest.

Trump Turnberry: When Politics Reaches the Fairway

Typically known for its pristine fairways and stunning coastal views, Turnberry presented a very different picture this weekend: the words “Gaza is not for sale” were painted in large letters across the grass, red paint was splattered on the clubhouse walls, and parts of the course were dug up. Pro-Palestinian activists gained access to the property overnight to protest Trump’s remarks on Gaza’s future. Police Scotland launched an investigation into property damage, while the resort’s management assured that operations would continue as normal.

Why Trump Turnberry Became a Target

The protest was orchestrated by Palestine Action, a group opposing Trump’s idea of placing Gaza under U.S. control and relocating the Palestinian population. In their statement, the activists accused Trump of treating Gaza as if it were his own real estate—so they decided to demonstrate that even his own property is not beyond reach.

Trump Turnberry’s management swiftly condemned the protest, calling it a “childish, criminal act,” but emphasized that the resort would continue to operate as usual. The controversy surrounding the incident, however, extends far beyond Scotland, as Trump’s Middle East comments have sparked global debate.

Trump Turnberry and The Open Championship: A Closed Door for the R&A?

There is little debate about Trump Turnberry’s status as a world-class golf course. The Ailsa Course has hosted The Open Championship four times, most recently in 2009. However, since Trump acquired the resort in 2014, it has disappeared from the major championship circuit.

The R&A, which oversees The Open, has suggested that Trump’s association with the course is a distraction and that the venue’s infrastructure does not fully meet modern major championship standards. While Turnberry consistently ranks among the world’s best golf courses, the question remains whether it will ever host The Open again.

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Top Tours

What had to be proven: Trump is involved in the PIF deal

President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)
US President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)

Last week, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott were in Washington to talk to US President Donald Trump about the planned involvement of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF as a minority investor in the new PGA Tour Enterprises venture. Since the announcement of the framework agreement by Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan in June 2023, negotiations have been very slow and complicated, not least due to the expected objections from the previously Democrat-dominated US Department of Justice and the antitrust authority based there. The Donald, on the other hand (“The best players in the world should also play on a joint tour”), had already been touting in his full-bodied manner before his re-election that he would wrap up the deal within 15 minutes.

“When the leader of the free world spends his time playing golf, I am very happy. This game is important. It conveys values that this world needs more of at the moment. It brings us together and connects us with each other.”

Scott O’Neil, new CEO of LIV Golf, in an interview with Al Arabiya News

The Gulf Post has already pointed out several times that Trump’s relations with the Saudis and with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally, as well as the Republican dictate in the US government bodies, should be very conducive to an agreement. This is exactly what will happen. “We have asked the President to commit himself for the good of the sport, the country and all countries involved,” reads a statement issued by Monahan, Scott and Tiger Woods – also a player director. “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final agreement and paved the way for the reunification of men’s professional golf.” That sounds like a very deep kowtow to the White House. And Scott O’Neil’s statement is better left uncommented …