Gilbert Rules Out Trump Aberdeen For Scottish Open, Kicks Open The Door To Cruden Bay For 2019!

Though it was looking likely that Trump International Aberdeen would land the 2019 Scottish Open due to its proximity to sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management headquarters, CEO Martin Gilbert has all but ruled it out due to

From Martin Dempster's Scotsman report:

“Politics aside, Trump would be an ideal venue, but you can’t put politics aside. That is the issue so we will wait and see.”

Turnberry, which Trump also owns, is currently waiting to find out when it will stage a future Open Championship, with the R&A likely to wait until his term as US President comes to an end before making that decision.

Trump has made no secret of the fact that he’d like to see an event like the Scottish Open staged at his highly-acclaimed Menie Estate course. “The Scottish Open is coming,” he declared during a visit two years ago. “The Scottish Open wants to be here forever, they think this is the best course they’ve ever seen.”

Even more exciting was Gilbert's revelation that European Tour officials have scouted out Cruden Bay and, with a few alterations, believe it can be made to work. Gilbert said the the course would not sport the 14th and 15th holes and their blind shots, and might be replaced by by Old Tom Morris designed holes on the club's St Olaf course.

While former host Royal Aberdeen is a candidate, Gilbert made clear that an all-men's club course would not happen. The Scottish Open venue now annually hosts both the men's and women's editions of the event. In hearing him speak to a small group of press today, I can attest to his enthusiasm for Cruden Bay as an acceptable solution.

Given that it's one my favorite courses on the planet, I concur, as long as modifications for the tournament do not change the course's character. (Recent changes to the 9th by Tom Mackenzie improved one of the weakest holes there.)

“Politics aside, Trump would be an ideal venue, but you can’t put politics aside. That is the issue so we will wait and see.” Turnberry, which Trump also owns, is currently waiting to find out when it will stage a future Open Championship, with the R&A likely to wait until his term as US President comes to an end before making that decision. Trump has made no secret of the fact that he’d like to see an event like the Scottish Open staged at his highly-acclaimed Menie Estate course. “The Scottish Open is coming,” he declared during a visit two years ago. “The Scottish Open wants to be here forever, they think this is the best course they’ve ever seen.”

Read more at: http://www.scotsman.com/sport/golf/donald-trump-s-aberdeen-course-ruled-out-for-2019-scottish-open-1-4503898