Pro-Palestine group cause shocking vandalism to Turnberry

Pro-Palestine activists have struck at the Trump Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, causing significant damage to the property as well as several holes on its golf courses.

A group called Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for an attack overnight at the Open Championship host venue, which has seen its clubhouse smothered in red paint, greens dug up, and “GAZA IS NOT FOR SALE” daubed in three-metre high white lettering on the grass.

The property is, of course, owned by current US president Donald Trump,

In a statement, the group said the action was “a direct response to the US administration’s stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza.”

A spokesperson from Palestine Action added: “Palestine Action rejects Donald Trump’s treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes.

“To make that clear, we have shown him that his own property is not safe from acts of resistance. We will continue to take action against US-Israeli colonialism in the Palestinian homeland.”

A spokesperson for Trump Turnberry told the BBC: “This was a childish, criminal act but the incredible team at Trump Turnberry will ensure it does not impact business.

“Turnberry is a national treasure and will continue to be the number one beacon of luxury and excellence in the world of golf.”

The following pictures show the extent of the damage caused…

Palestine Action describes itself as a “direct-action network of groups and individuals operating to end complicity in occupation, apartheid, and genocide in Palestine”.

The principle target of its campaign, it says, is Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons company.

Donald Trump purchased Turnberry in 2014 and has since invested considerably in upgrading the resort. This has included a significant remodelling of several holes on the internationally-acclaimed Ailsa Course.

The latest changes to the layout – specifically, newly-designed seventh and eighth holes – are due to be unveiled next month.

Despite all this, the resort’s future as a host venue of the Open remains in limbo. It has staged the world’s oldest professional championship four times but not since 2009, when Stewart Cink defeated Tom Watson in a playoff.

Speaking to The Telegraph last week, Mark Darbon, the new chief executive of the R&A, said: “The position at the moment, in respect of Turnberry, is that we will not be taking events there until we’re comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf.

“That is a situation we’re still not comfortable with, but that could evolve in the coming years.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content