Presidential contender Donald Trump, speaks to the media after arriving by helicopter during the 1st first day of the Women's British Open golf championship on the Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Thursday, July 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Presidential contender Donald Trump arrived to his Turnberry golf course in western Scotland on Thursday for the first day of the Women’s British Open.
Taking a short break from his election campaign, the Republican landed Thursday in his private helicopter in front of the luxurious resort wearing a red hat emblazoned with his campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.”
The Women’s British Open, the fourth of five major championships in women’s golf, is the first high profile event held at one of Trump’s properties since his disparaging comments about Mexicans during his presidential campaign announcement last month. Trump said that some Mexican immigrants bring drugs and come to the U.S., and some are rapists.
The billionaire’s provocative remarks about Mexicans led to many organizations and TV networks to drop him or events at his hotels from their plans.
Briefly answering questions from journalists ranging from his chanced to becoming president to immigration and the migration situation in Calais, France, Trump declared “the world had asked me to be here.”
“Illegal immigration is a huge subject," Trump said on the steps in front of the hotel. "I brought it to the fore and everybody is thanking me for it."
“I expect to be president,” he added, saying that he was delighted by polls that have him as the leading Republican candidate.
Over the past month, the unapologetic Trump has continued with supporting his remarks, which has seen the real estate mogul command lots of media attention and attract rising polls numbers.
Although most golfers have kept their thoughts to themselves about a man who has injected much of his fortune into the sport, Michelle Wie — one of the stars of the women's tour — said this week she believes Trump's presence at Turnberry will distract from the competition.
That doesn't seem to be a concern for Trump, however.
"Everybody has asked me to be here," Trump said. "The world has asked me to be here."
Based on reporting by the Associated Press.
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