Seven people have been charged in connection with the vandalism of Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. Prosecutors allege that the offence was aggravated by what the indictment describes as a “terrorist connection”.
According to The Guardian, the seven defendants are due to appear in court on August 31. The charges relate to an incident at the five-star resort on March 8, 2025.
The indictment alleges that turf was dug up, fairways and greens were sprayed with weedkiller and political slogans were painted across the course and buildings. A sprinkler system was also allegedly damaged, causing flooding, while a light and several signs were targeted.
One slogan written across the course read: “Gaza is not 4 sale.”
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One of golf’s most famous courses
The case concerns considerably more than an ordinary Trump-owned property. Turnberry’s Ailsa course is one of the most celebrated venues in British golf and has staged the Open Championship four times.
Its most famous edition came in 1977, when Tom Watson defeated Jack Nicklaus in the contest remembered as the “Duel in the Sun”. Turnberry later hosted the major in 1986, 1994 and 2009.
Trump purchased the Scottish resort in 2014 and subsequently placed his name on it. The Open has not returned since the takeover, although the president and his family have repeatedly expressed their desire to bring golf’s oldest major back to the course.
Trump still chasing the Open
According to Front Office Sports, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said earlier in 2026 that Turnberry remained under consideration. However, the earliest available edition would now be 2029.
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The R&A regards the course highly but has pointed to significant problems involving roads, rail connections, accommodation and the number of spectators the venue can handle. Those logistical obstacles remain central to the discussions with Turnberry’s owners.
New scrutiny around historic venue
The Scottish government previously condemned the damage and assured Eric Trump that authorities were treating the incident seriously.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and all seven defendants remain accused rather than convicted.
For Turnberry, the case brings another burst of unwanted attention. At a time when the Trump family is trying to convince golf officials that the resort is ready to welcome the Open again, the spotlight has returned for reasons having nothing to do with competition on the course.
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