Trump Turnberry may not host 2020 Open

Reports suggest that the R&A may opt against handing Trump Turnberry the Championship.

Trump Turnberry may not host 2020 Open

Donald Trump's Turnberry course could be prevented from hosting the 2020 Open Championship, according to reports.

The Independent on Sunday revealed that the R&A may have privately opted to remove it from the list following the American's latest outburst regarding Muslims.

Trump's recent comments follow those he made about Mexican immigrants earlier in the year, which could end up forcing the governing body's hand.

The American, who appears to be leading the Republican charge in a bid to be President of the United States, was set to host the PGA Grand Slam of Golf at another of his courses, the Trump National Los Angeles. However, he "mutually agreed" with the PGA of America that the tournament would be moved in the wake of his comments about Mexicans.

In August, the Ricoh Women's British Open was held at Trump Turnberry, despite the LPGA issuing a statement beforehand that said it was too late for the tournament to be moved to a different venue.

The LPGA's statement also distanced themselves from Trump's comments, however he responded with a letter to LPGA commissioner Mike Whan that was obtained by Golf Channel.

A member of the R&A told the Independent: "Those who forecast worse would come, including warnings from our American cousins, have been proved correct."

Turnberry last hosted the Open in 2009, when Tom Watson was beaten by Stewart Cink in a play-off.

It was also the site of the famous Duel in the Sun between Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977, when the former prevailed by one stroke.

The 2020 Championship now seems unlikely to be heading to Turnberry, purchased by Trump in April 2014.

The course has hosted the Open four times, but the future of the fifth now appears to be up in the air.

Royal Troon will stage the 145th edition next year, before it heads to Royal Birkdale in 2017.