Cruel in the sun
McGinley so sad to see iconic Ayrshire course off the R&A’s list of Open venues
PAUL McGINLEY is saddened Turnberry has been blackballed as a future Open host venue.
But the former Ryder Cup captain is not surprised that following the shocking events in the USA last week, the R&A and PGA of America have been quick to distance themselves from President Donald Trump.
The PGA of America was first to act in stripping Trump Bedminster in New Jersey of the 2022 PGA Championship while the R&A followed in stating Trump Turnberry will not be a part of the Open Championship rota for “the foreseeable future”.
But losing one of his favourite host venues on the
Open Championship rota is a disappointment to the 54-year-old Irishman, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup success at Gleneagles in 2014.
McGinley said: “Recent events in the United States have prompted various golf authorities to distance themselves from Donald Trump.
“The stance from the PGA and R&A came as no surprise and, although understandable in light of recent events, it’s a clear indication that ownership is now ‘officially’ an issue to both organisations in deciding their Major championship venues.
“The R&A stopped short of admitting they would only reconsider if Trump was to sell the Ayrshire resort.
“But from a purely golfing standpoint it’s sad that The Open for the foreseeable future has been robbed of what I personally believe to be the best course on the rota.
“Turnberry is a venue etched in the mind of many golfers because of its history in producing memorable Open Championships.
“The first to be staged there in 1977 was one of the best in Open history, the memorable ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, whose birdie on the 72nd hole clinched the second of his five Open titles.”
McGinley played in the last two Opens at Turnberry, missing the cut in 1994 in what was his third Open then sharing 43rd place in 2009 – the last of his 16 appearances in golf ’s oldest Major.
He added: “The Ailsa was already a great golf course before renowned architect Martin Ebert oversaw a number of recent significant changes to the layout – and all for the better.
“In my opinion the original design was just behind Muirfield as the best course among the Open venues. Since the overhaul I’d say it’s now the best of the best.
“Purely in terms of aesthetics there are not many finer golf courses in the world.”