As Donald Trump arrives in Scotland today to visit his golf courses, more than 30,000 people across the UK are sending the organisers of the The Open Championship a message: don’t let the 2028 tournament drown in Trump’s brand of divisive politics which pit communities against one another.
The Open Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it's a cherished institution, a beacon of sportsmanship and tradition. As organisers, the R&A considers venues for The Open in 2028, a crucial decision looms, one that will define what this event is remembered for. Will it be a pure celebration of golf, or will it be overshadowed by political divisiveness and bad headlines?
For the 50,171 members of the public who have signed our petition, and indeed, for many ordinary golf fans, the answer is clear: The Open Championship must not be handed to Trump Turnberry.
38 Degrees is a community of more than a million people who – in a moment away from their busy days – take small actions on issues they care about, which all add up to something bigger. We know that people power is one of the most effective ways to ensure decision makers listen.
There's a growing chorus demanding that the integrity of our national institutions remain unblemished by divisive figures. To allow a Trump-owned course to host one of the world's biggest, oldest, and most respected golf tournaments would be to reward a divisive individual who condones war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and promotes racist, homophobic, and misogynistic messages around the world. It would signal support for a figure who ignores national and international law and undermines democratic values.
The outpouring of passion for The Open Championship shows how important it is to our national identity. We want to see the world's best golfers compete on the most magnificent links courses, unburdened by external distractions.
But the prospect of Donald Trump's ownership casting a shadow over the event threatens to wash that away. It hits at the very heart of what The Open Championship represents: unity, respect, and the sheer joy of the game.
Whilst the R&A rightly focuses on the logistical challenges of hosting such a massive event, these challenges pale in comparison to the potential damage to The Open Championship's reputation.
The news over the last week or so that Turnberry is even being considered, despite the R&A's previous stance on ensuring the focus remains on golf and not the owner, sparks anger among those who believe the sport should rise above political entanglement and divisiveness.
This decision seems unfair to the vast majority of people who simply want to enjoy the sport.
50,171 members of the public have told the R&A: Deliver on the promise of an Open that truly celebrates golf, free from the baggage of divisive figures, if you want to keep the trust of fans for generations to come.
With Donald Trump in the country for the next five days, the gravity of this decision is even clearer. The integrity of the Open Championship is on the line. Do the right thing. #Saynototrump.
Matthew McGregor is the CEO of 38 Degrees. To find out more about their work, go to: https://home.38degrees.org.uk/
