Donald Trump at Aberdeen (Image Source: Getty) U.S. President Donald Trump officially opened his latest 18‑hole golf course, Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, near Aberdeen, Scotland. The opening, which was accompanied by fireworks and traditional piping, capped a five-day trip that was largely focused on boosting his family’s golf business and promoting the new course, designed by Eric Trump, along the wild Scottish coast. Trump then teed off on the first hole with a foursome following the ceremony.
Donald Trump gives the opening speech and cuts ribbon
Trump spoke to a gathering of scalpers, athletes, and press before wielding a pair of gold scissors. He described the project as a “labor of love” his son Eric had turned to and referred to the new course as his own “Mona Lisa.” Trump also touted Scottish roots, mentioning the Isle of Lewis, where his late mother once lived, and praised his team for bringing what he called “incredible progress.”
FULL CEREMONY: Trump Inaugurates Aberdeen Golf Course | Ribbon-Cutting at MacLeod Course | AC1G
In fact, on July 29, 2025, the ribbon‑cutting itself, the president counted down: “Three, two, one- Let’s go.” He pressed a button on the digital screen that read something like “1-2-3,” which set off fireworks, officially opening the course. Ceremonial flourishes were provided by bagpipers and the backdrop of the North Sea coastline.
President Trump plays golf and engages in political remarks
Donald Trump and Eric Trump took to the course shortly after the ceremony to play with a group of professional golfers, which included Rich Beem and Paul McGinley. The officials were welcomed later that morning by former football stars Andriy Shevchenko and Gianfranco Zola and Scottish golfing greats, including Stephen Gallacher, in a colorful instance of diplomacy, sport, and branding.Trump said he intended to play an entire 18 holes before leaving for Washington, although he characterized his game as a “quick” respite from an otherwise busy global itinerary. He described his efforts to be “putting out fires all over the world”, including on Ukraine, Gaza, and Thailand‑Cambodia diplomatic fronts, while also touting a U.S.–EU trade deal now completed as “a great deal for everybody.”
Eric Trump praises project as passion endeavor
Each speaking independently, Eric Trump called the Aberdeen course his father’s “passion project,” saying that it was created with “heart,” with “soul,” with a “limitless budget—and exceeded it.” He described the design as a work of art and commended everyone who aided in transforming the vision into reality.Also Read: ‘I could do it’: Eric Trump says he may enter politics, it would be an easy path for himThis is the third Trump golf resort in Scotland (the others are Turnberry, purchased in 2014, and the original Menie course, which opened in 2012), but Eric told the Scotsman the new course rounds out his “greatest 36 holes in golf.” Before its official opening to the public on August 13, the facility will host a PGA Seniors Championship event.
