Martin Ebert, the golf course architect trusted with the re-design of the storied Ailsa Course at Turnberry, believes that Donald Trump’s huge investment at the Ayrshire resort has saved its Open Championship future.

Trump, the American tycoon, bought Turnberry two years ago but in that time his well-documented and controversial comments on Mexicans and Muslims during his own US Presidential campaign has led to calls for golf’s governing bodies to boycott his venues.

Turnberry, which has hosted four Opens down the years, remains on the championship’s rota and the Royal & Ancient has not confirmed when the game’s oldest major will return to the scene of the famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ of 1977. The first available slot would not be until 2022.

Ebert believes the sheer majesty of the Ailsa Course should be the primary focus when choosing a championship host and admitted that the resort’s fading grandeur prior to Trump’s purchase may have led to its Open demise.

“I don't think we should fool ourselves that without Mr Trump's investment at Turnberry, it might have lost its Open status with such a lack of investment,” said Ebert, who advises the R&A on course alterations at seven of the nine courses on the Open rota. “When he came in and bought the place he immediately bought a full set of maintenance equipment and immediately commissioned a new irrigation system for theAilsa. It wasn't being looked after as it should have been at that stage. It was always a jewel but it was a fading jewel and the investment that's been made in all the right directions in my view should be the focus.”

The revamping of the Ailsa, which re-opens to the public tomorrow (wednesday), has led to the spectacular coastal stretch at nine 10 and 11 being brought right down to the Firth of Clyde and Ebert is convinced that the course will prove hard for the R&A to resist despite the sensitive political issues and negative publicity surrounding the resort’s outspoken owner.

Ebert added: “In Portrush and Turnberry I would argue that they are the two most scenic of the Open venues. In an age of television and the contracts being so important, I would hope that has some bearing (on the R&A’s decision). I know it's largely down to the stars that play in the event but to have a canvass like that to present them upon I would hope will have some allure for the R&A.”