MEMBERS of Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf club are being priced out after an increase in annual fees.
Golfers have been reportedly been told to pay £700 more a year to play on the course in South Ayrshire.
The Sunday Post reported the price rise was a 38 per cent rise, pushing the fee to more than £2,500, with fears the increase will force out many locals who have played there for years.
Read more: The island roots of Donald Trump
One member told the newspaper: “We’ve been given a take it or leave it ultimatum, and for what is thought to be a first, there is now no waiting list for new members at the club. Increases in recent years have been very modest.
“Now we are facing a huge increase, with no consultation between Trump’s people and our club.
“There have been massive improvements to the course. But I really don’t think they want local guys from Maybole or Girvan in the club.
“Our tee times have become more restricted and it is all pointing to a more elite membership who won’t mind paying twice a month just for the prestige.”
Read more: The island roots of Donald Trump
Accounts show that Turnberry, which Mr Trump’s firm bought for £39.5 million in June 2014, had a turnover of £11.4m but made a loss of £8.4m in 2015.
The company said the loss was down to significant investments being made in the resort by the Trump Organisation. The spokeswoman for Trump Turnberry told the Sunday Post: “We are not able to comment on our packaging and pricing.”
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