Donald Trump’s flying visit to the UK ended with the US president officially opening the New Course at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, the second championship venue on the Menai Estate that is already being acclaimed as the equal of the first.
Trump cut the red ribbon to mark the opening of the course in opening ceremony attended by leading political figures, including Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and guests including leaders of the golf industry and internationally renowned professionals. The President was piped to the first tee by the pipe band from Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen.
President Donald J. Trump cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the New Course at Trump International near Aberdeen in the company of Don Trump Jr (left), Eric Trump, Sarah Malone and European Tour Group CEO Guy Kinnings
Hitting the inaugural shot off the first tee, Trump fired a drive down the middle of the first fairway and was joined for the opening round on the New Course by his son, Eric, 2014 Ryder Cup European captain Paul McGinley and 2002 US PGA Championship winner Rich Beem, as well as members of the Trump family.
Together with the original Old Course – launched in 2012 – the New Course now forms what is being marketed by the Trump Organisations as ‘The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf’.
The 7,589-yard course is the result of a design process led by Eric Trump, supported by a team of experienced golf architects, engineers, agronomists, and environmental consultants. The project builds on the original links masterplan developed by Dr Martin Hawtree and has been brought to life by Golflink Evolve under the direction of Esie O’Mahoney and Jamie O’Reilly.
The New Course, which was designed by Martin Hawtree, opens for public play on August 13
Speaking at the launch, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation, said: “This is not just another great golf course – it’s a once-in-a-generation masterpiece. We speak of the Mona Lisa when we talk about timeless masterpieces in golf. This is our Mona Lisa and it will be here for hundreds of years to come.
“I firmly believe that both courses here are the greatest 36 holes you will find anywhere in the world and we have achieved history with the New Course being opened by the President of the United States and our venue here staging two prestigious tournaments back-to-back this week and next.”
The official opening ceremony also marked the start of two weeks of professional golf events being held at Trump International, with the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, hosted by Colin Montgomerie, taking place from July 31 to August 3, followed by the DP World Tour Nexo Championship from August 7-10.
Martin Hawtree created the design masterplan for the New Course at Trump International
Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President of Trump International Scotland, said: “What has been achieved here by the Trump family is truly world-class – a triumph of ambition, craftsmanship and respect for the land. The New Course pushes the boundaries of what links golf can be, while remaining deeply rooted in Scotland’s rich golfing heritage. The course is a destination in its own right but will also form part of ‘The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf’, standing proudly as a beacon to golfers from around the globe.”
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group, said: “The New Course is spectacular. I know that Eric Trump has been personally involved in leading design and development of the course and with the President’s Scottish roots, it clearly has profound significance and meaning for the entire Trump family. I would therefore commend and congratulate Eric, the Trump family and he Trump Organisation for their vision and achievement in creating a world class golfing experience.”
The individual green fee for the New Course, which opens for public play on August 13, has been set at £495, with a four-ball booking costing £1,750. Rounds on both courses costs £900, while a package to include 36 holes and two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at Macleod House starts from £2,500.
