Donald Trump and golf. Two words that many people in the world wouldn’t prefer to use together. Especially so since the former POTUS has made many claims of achieving various feats in the sport, like the recent viral ‘almost ace’ video. Well, now it appears he has managed to earn the ire of fans once again owing to his peculiar golf course move.

A post was shared by Golf Digest on their official Instagram handle mentioning a change in rates for playing a round at the Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry. As per the new set of fee rates, the green fee for the grounds will be marked at a whopping £1,000 ($1093.13) for non-hotel residents for peak times (before 1 p.m.) during peak season. Interestingly, the four figures for the 18 holes bring it to a mind-boggling £56 ($61.22) per hole, marking each shot at £14.85 ($16.23).

This would, unsurprisingly enough, make playing a round of golf at the Ailsa course the most expensive course to play the sport in the UK. However, is there any reason behind doing so? Apparently, the rates have been marked to protect tee times for the people staying at the hotel and for the Turnberry members. Regardless of the same, the new decision didn’t sit well with many in the community.

Donald Trump’s ‘Ailsa course’ move at Turnberry fails to impress fans

A video of Donald Trump driving the ball made the rounds on the internet recently, where the ex-president’s ball almost reached the hole. However, the recording was dubbed as a fake one, no less, by many golfing enthusiasts in the community. Similarly, the dislike for the 78-year-old was spotted under the recent post as well, when a couple of followers commented, “I wouldn’t play if it was free! Nothing with his name on it,” and “I wouldn’t spend ten cents to play anything he owns.”

“By blocking out these peak tee times,” said Turnberry’s general manager Nic Oldham in an interview with bunkered.co.uk while alluding to the new prices, “We are able to offer greater playing opportunities to our best customers.” He also pointed out how many people were choosing to play at the course but staying somewhere else nearby. As a result of the same, many “hotel guests were able to stay in the hotel but couldn’t get access to the course.” 

This decision, however, didn’t sit well with most of the fans in the community, as they responded along the lines of “Absolutely ridiculous. All geared up towards ripping off the tourist golfer. This is happening more and more in the UK,” and “I mean it is one of my fav tracks in the world I have played but I’m not sure I would pay that to play it again… Lucky I got there before Trump has ruined it for so many.” The course, meanwhile, is accessible for non-residents for lower rates during the non-peak season [£365.00 ($398.99) on May 16, 2025].

Another video of the businessman playing a round of golf at the Trump National Golf Club in LA made the rounds back in 2023. Donald Trump had sent the spheroid soaring past between the bunker and the trees when he made one of his shots, all the while messing up the same. Coming back to the recent post, an enthusiast couldn’t help but respond, “Trump ruins something else. Surprised?” 

The 78-year-old’s recent actions have brought about much scrutiny from many in the golfing world, be it the ‘almost-ace’ moment or the hike in golf course prices. What do you think? Do you feel he deserves this backlash or could he have seen it miles away?