As big, brash Donald Trump prepared to make his grand entrance to his own Turnberry resort for the Ricoh Women’s British Open, Lizette Salas was simply hoping to let her golf clubs do the talking.

The 26-year-old Solheim Cup player’s parents were both Mexican immigrants to the USA. Given the disparaging remarks Trump made regarding Mexicans during his US Presidential campaign, the sight of his helicopter twirling into Ayrshire will cause considerable unease to many.

Salas remains resolutely patriotic. “Everyone can say what they want, but it does not change the way I feel about myself, about my heritage,” she said. “I’m very proud and I’m not ashamed of being born of Mexican immigrants. A lot of people listen to him and hear his words because he’s a big name. But my goal this week is to win this golf tournament.”

The PGA of America has already moved an event away from one of Trump’s US courses in the wake of the Mexican controversy.

Laura Davies, the English veteran, added: “I am assuming we (the women’s body) might do the same but if we don’t come back here (to Turnberry) it would be a tragedy. It’s such a great place.”