OVER TO YOU, SON: ERIC TO TAKE REINS
Donald Trump’s son has pledged to steer Turnberry to new heights – while his dad leads the free world.
Eric, 32, is set to take official leadership of the Carrick resort as his old man moves into the White House.
And the heir apparent insists it will be “business as usual” for the glittering five star property, transformed by a £ 200million revamp.
Billionaire Donald, who purchased the sprawling golf and hotel estate in 2014, is ready to step back from global business interests as part of his new political role.
Now Eric, entrusted with the resort’s overhaul during the last 18 months, is ready assume control at the jewel in Ayrshire’s crown.
Speaking to the Post during a flying visit to Turnberry, he said: “We’ve had a great time transforming this place – it truly is one of the most magical properties in the world.
“On a personal level it’s been such a fun project for me to work on – and that work continues now.
“Nothing about recent events is going to change things from our perspective.
“I will stay just as focused here and can let my dad get on with running the free world.”
Alongside Ivanka and Donald Jnr, it is expected Eric will now step up to play a key role in managing much of his father’s property portfolio.
Among his first tasks is to lead the design work on Turnberry’s new- look spa complex.
Seventeen new guest rooms will prove the stunning anchor point of the revamped facility.
Eric said: “We’re all immensely proud of what has been achieved at the property so far – everything from the golf course to the hotel looks incredible.
“The new ballroom is literally breathtaking and you won’t find anything else in the UK that is this good.
“I’ve worked on a lot of great projects around the world but this has always been right up there for me.
“When my dad bought Turnberry he made it clear how much he loved this place and it’s easy to see why.”
It’s understood the new President, who famously refers to Turnberry as his “baby,” will not allow his new- found profile to dampen his enthusiasm for the Carrick coast.
And a potential visit from Air Force One is thought to be a very real prospect during his term.
Meanwhile, the construction guru behind Turnberry’s rebuild has labelled it his “toughest” test to date.
Andrew Billick has worked on projects around the world for the Trump team.
He said: “The size and scale of what we wanted to do in the hotel was always going to make the job a huge challenge.
“The building had never seen work like it during its entire history.
“When you throw in the timescale we were working to, it was definitely the toughest project I’ve worked on anywhere in the world.
“But I think the final results speak for themselves.”