Donald Trump was joined by Paul McGinley and Rich Beem as he officially opened his new golf course in Aberdeen before offering rare praise to the media and jokingly claiming he loves Scotland
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Paul McGinley
US President Donald Trump was accompanied by an Irish golfing legend as he formally unveiled his latest golf course in Aberdeen.
Trump has spent recent days in Scotland touring his golf properties and conducting various political engagements as part of the activities, which included the launch of the ‘new course’ at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen.
The divisive US President was joined by Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley and his fellow Sky Sports commentator and PGA Championship victor Rich Beem for a round of golf.
McGinley stands among Ireland’s golfing elite, claiming three Ryder Cups as a competitor and serving as a triumphant captain in 2014.
US President Donald Trump, with former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley (left) on the first tee during the official opening of the New Course, the second championship course at Trump International Golf Links
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Trump remarked, “We’ll play it very quickly, and then I’ll get back to D.C., and we’ll put out fires all over the world,” reports the Irish Mirror.
Throughout his address, Trump also commended UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and his ‘great deal’ following the agreement of a trade arrangement with the UK.
Trump additionally offered unusual praise to the media, describing them as ‘terrific’ whilst joking that he hadn’t labelled them as ‘fake news’.
He said they ‘treated us really well’ and also declared that he ‘loves Scotland’.
‘We’re going to go out and have a good time,’ the US President added.
‘It’s going to be a special day and a special year and a special decade, and we’re going to make all of our countries strong and great and really wonderful again. ‘ The course is set to officially open its doors to visitors in mid-August, with a hefty price tag of £495 (€570) as Trump continues to expand his golf course portfolio.
Currently, Trump owns 15 golf properties, including the former Open venue Turnberry in Scotland and Doonbeg in Co. Clare, along with an additional 11 properties in the US.
