TURNBERRY, Scotland – Donald Trump’s arrival promises to stir the air at Trump Turnberry, even after his helicopter touches down on the helipad for Thursday’s start of the Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Trump, who owns the golf course and the upscale hotel on the property, is expected to be on the grounds Thursday morning, according to championship officials in contact with Trump’s staff.
With Trump’s controversial comments about illegal immigration from Mexico creating issues for golf’s governing bodies, who partner with Trump as host of multiple venues, there’s been friction, particularly with the LPGA. After the LPGA released a statement three weeks ago suggesting it would prefer the Women’s British Open be played somewhere other than Trump Turnberry, Trump fired back at LPGA commissioner Mike Whan with strong language, accusing the commissioner of lacking “common decency” and offering to allow the Women’s British Open out of its contractual commitment.