Trump Spotlight Turns To Turnberry

Graham Ruthven of the New York Times reports from Turnberry where the Ricoh Women's British Open arrives this week.

Now managed by Donald Trump, the planned overhaul of the resort and the high-profile nature of its brand icon, whose recent controversial comments may or may not bring extra attention to this week's event.

Trump has pledged around $250 million in investment toward his Turnberry resort, and with gold fixtures, marble floors and shimmering glass now adorning the recently renovated clubhouse, it is easy to see how $10 million of that money has already been spent.

Most locals seem hesitant to comment on Trump’s character, as if torn between wanting to voice their derision and express begrudging gratitude for the investment he has plowed into the region.

“We try to ignore what he says in the media,” one man said. Another golfer — a tourist from Connecticut — quipped, “He’s better at owning golf courses than is he at being a politician.”

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Meanwhile, in the player category, Beth Ann Nichols reports that Michelle Wie was inspired by the men's Open at St Andrews and will be pushing her injured leg to get her around Turnberry.