Trump’s Scottish golf course to become ‘most expensive in UK’

Former US president Donald Trump’s Scottish golf course is reportedly set to become the most expensive in the UK by charging up to £1,000 a round.

Trump Turnberry’s website shows that fees are set to skyrocket from June next year to around double the current costs.

The new green fees will be introduced at specific peak times and will only apply to people not staying at Trump’s five-star hotel and spa.

According to Bunkered, the move is designed to protect tee times for hotel residents and Turnberry members.

Turnberry general manager Nic Oldham told the golf magazine: “We were finding that a lot of people were booking up tee times during the peak times of the year but only came to play golf and then left.

“In many instances, people were choosing to play the Ailsa but stay somewhere else nearby. That meant our hotel guests were able to stay in the hotel but couldn’t get access to the course.

“By blocking out these peak tee times, we are able to offer greater playing opportunities to our best customers.”

He added: “Staying in the hotel and playing the Ailsa will come in some way under £1,000, so it’s better value to do it that way.

“That’s better for the golfer, because they’re getting a full five-star experience, but it’s also better for Turnberry.

“We are unique amongst venues that have hosted The Open in that we are a complete resort and, therefore, we need to make sure all parts of our business are viable. Simply selling rounds of golf isn’t a sustainable business model.”

Turnberry, considered one of the best golf courses in the world, was bought by Trump in 2014.

Before the former US president’s takeover, golfers could play a round on the Ailsa Course for about £176.

Turnberry has hosted The Open Championship four times but has not been included in the content’s schedule since Trump took over.

The price increase puts the course far ahead of some of its rivals who charge about £300-£400 per round..

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