Donald Trump denies attempting to bring The Open to own golf course

The Turnberry resort in Ayrshire last held the tournament in 2009 when American Stewart Cink triumphed

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports he attempted to bring The Open Championship to his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.

Reports in the U.S. media claimed Trump had asked the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Woody Johnson to try secure the rights to host one of golf’s four annual major championships.

“I read a story about it today, and I ... never spoke to Woody Johnson about doing that, no,” Trump announced to reporters at the White House.

The New York Times reported Johnson had told multiple colleagues in February 2018 that Trump had requested talks with the British government in a bid to bring The Open back to Turnberry.

The course, now rebranded as Trump Turnberry, last held the tournament in 2009, when American Stewart Cink triumphed in a play-off against compatriot Tom Watson.

Trump owns the Ayrshire golf resort (Getty)

The Times said Johnson brought up the idea of Turnberry hosting the Open in conversations with secretary of state for Scotland David Mundell.