Turnberry’s Wait for Open Championship Extends to Next Decade

The prestigious Open Championship tournament, one of golf's four major events, is set to be hosted at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland for the next decade, according to the R&A's announcement. Turnberry Golf Course in Scotland, which last hosted the event in 2009, will not be the location for the 2029 edition. The R&A CEO, Mark Darbon, disclosed in July that preliminary discussions with Turnberry officials had taken place, but the decision about hosting the tournament was still pending.

Logistical issues have been the main reason for the R&A's reluctance to have the championship at Turnberry. In 2009, the event at Turnberry attracted 130,000 spectators, significantly less than the record 306,000 fans who attended the tournament at Royal Birkdale this year. Other Trump-owned golf properties across different tours generated more revenue in 2025, with Turnberry being the top performer, bringing in over $31 million in golf and hotel-related income.

The U.S. President's administration reportedly inquired with U.K. government officials about securing another Open Championship at Turnberry last year. Portmarnock Golf Club, located near Dublin, is also in contention to host a future Open Championship, marking the first time an Irish or non-U.K. nation would host the prestigious event.

Carnoustie, which will host the Open for the ninth time in 2029, has seen attendance of 172,000 spectators in previous editions. A private investment group took operational control of Carnoustie in 2023 and has since invested nearly $14 million in improvements, while the local authority retains ownership of the golf course land, with discussions underway for a longer-term lease deal.