Southport has been put on alert for a potential visit from President Donald Trump this summer.
A brief conversation between the Royal and Ancient association and representatives from Sefton Council discussed the planned state visit of the controversial American president to the UK, which is expected to take place in July, will coincide with the Open tournament at Royal Birkdale.
Trump, a huge golf fan, could be offered the chance to visit the competition as a ‘sweetener’ deal to make his visit to the UK memorable for all the right reasons – amid highly publicised protests and petitions against Trump coming to the UK at all.
OTS News.co.uk understands that the possibility of a visit to Southport has only been mentioned briefly at a recent logistics meeting between the R&A, who organise the Open, and Sefton Council.
No official communication has been made by Downing Street as yet, but if asked, the council would have to give serious consideration to allowing a visit to go ahead.
The Champion have approached the R&A for comment.
Southport MP John Pugh told our reporter that he believes a visit is unlikely – but didn’t hold back when airing his views on the current US president.
Mr Pugh said: “I personally find him an unlikable and objectionable person and I daresay there are many who will want to protest about the divisive impact he has on world politics.
“However, there isn’t any moral significance attached to attending a golf tournament . I would just prefer Southport though be known for other more positive reasons than a Trump visit.”
Leader of the Southport Lib Dems Cllr Sue McGuire added: “Since taking office Trump demonstrated that the divisive, racist and sexist campaign he ran will continue under his Presidency. My fear is that a visit from President Trump will overshadow the positive contribution that the Open will make to Southport, and I would hope that he would think twice before visiting.”
The Open takes place at Royal Birkdale between July 16 and July 19.
Trump would be the first ever US president to visit Southport – but his visit would not be without controversy.
MPs have this week debated US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, amid huge protests against the trip.
It comes after a petition begging the government to rethink a state visit received an incredible 1.85 million signatures.
Campaigners eager to stop the controversial president from coming to the UK say they want to make a stand against the “hatred, racism and division that Donald Trump is trying to create.”
Concillor David Barton said: “It would be a privilege to welcome President Trump to our Classic Resort Town and to The Open at Royal Birkdale. There is no denying that President Trump divides opinion but to have the leader of the Free World joining us would be testimony to all the exceptional work that has been done and continues to be done to restore our town’s place on the international map.
“Should a State Visit happen this would be an excellent opportunity to showcase Southport’s investment opportunities to another leading figure with a refreshing positivity and taste for refined architecture.”
Although the president will stay at Buckingham Palace during his state visit, there are facilites at nearby RAF Woodvale for him to be flown the 307 miles to Southport before an armed cavalcade would drive down Liverpool Road towards Royal Birkdale in Hillside.
Golf mad Trump, who owns Turnberry golf course in Scotland and has been photographed playing golf in Florida numerous times since he became president, would be one of just 200,000 visitors expected to visit the Open.
In fact the local and regional economy is expected to receive a multi-million pounds boost when the championship arrives here in July.
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