Former Turnberry Open Champion Stewart Cink joked the stunning Ayrshire course will be renamed ‘Trumpberry’ once Donald Trump’s acquisition of the venue is formalised.

Trump purchased Turnberry earlier this week in a bargin basement price of a reputed £37.5m from the Dubai-based, Leisurecorp and a subsidiary of the Dubai government.

Five years ago Cink denied legendary Tom Watson a record-equalling sixth Claret Jug over a four hole play-off, and on the same course where in 1977 Watson had defeated Jack Nicklaus in the now famed ‘Duel in the Sun’.

Cink was not aware of the purchase until made aware of Trump’s second golfing acquisition following his round of 68 on the opening day of the $US 6.9m Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.

Stewart Cink with the Claret Jug in winning the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.

“I didn’t know Donald has purchased Turnberry but now makes him the owner of two of my favourite three golf courses in Europe,” said Cink.

“I know he’s just recently bought Doonbeg in Ireland, and my other favourite course is the Old Course at St. Andrews but he doesn’t own that.

“I know the town of St. Andrews owns the Old Course but then he may own it one day (smiling).

“But it’s good to hear he’s purchased Turnberry, and I like Donald and come to get to know him well, so that will be an even more special connection I will have with Turnberry.

“And while most of his courses now are Trump International whatever, I guess he might rename Turnberry – ‘Trumpberry’.

“I don’t know how popular it is in Britain and Europe calling his courses Trump International, and people will probably see him as an icon of American whatever.

“But I’ve heard he’s doing a great job up there at Aberdeen with his course, and creating a lot of local employment so that can’t be too bad.”

And while Cink has not won since his Turnberry triumph, he’s ruled out contesting this year’s Scottish Open as it will clash with the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic.

“I’m going to play the John Deere as they make it too easy for a ride over to The Open,” he said.

Double Major Champion Angel Cabrera, who also hasn’t won since his 2009 Masters success, produced his lowest round all season of a six under par 66 to lead by a shot and with fellow Augusta champion Phil Mickelson bogeying the last to finish tied in second place one shot back.