Just how toxic is Donald Trump? Consider this: Two years ago he bought the highly esteemed Turnberry golf club in Ayrshire, Scotland. It was in consideration to be the 2020 venue for golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament, The (British) Open, one of the four major golf tournaments, part of golf’s Grand Slam. And in Trump’s publicity-conscious vision he would be the one to crown the winner. Not so fast! He is so reviled that the tournament governing body, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, swiftly said that the now-named Trump Turnberry would no longer be considered as host the most important golf contest outside of the US. (The ouster may not be permanent, but Turnberry if very much on hold as an Open host.)
Everyday Scottish citizens are giving Trump a hard time. When he arrives at Turnberry this week to open a new hotel, he and any visitors will need to pass two neighboring houses, both of whose owners will be flying Mexican flags. One of them, David Milne, is quoted as saying “it’s just to show solidarity with the Mexican people and everyone else that Trump has derided, insulted and intimidated.” Even worse, it was barely noted that in December, the self-described great business deal-maker was stripped of his Scottish business ambassadorship by the country’s first minister, who called him “obnoxious and offensive” and “no longer fit” for the position.
Trump’s Triple Bogey at Turnberry:
- Loses venerable course’s ability to host The Open — one over par
- Pisses off the neighbors — two over par
- Stripped of his Scottish business ambassorship: three over par
