Trump International Golf Links occupies a scenic three-mile stretch along Scotland’s North Sea coastline, joining the ranks of American-inspired courses like Renaissance Club, Castle Stuart, and Machrihanish Dunes. Overcoming objections due to its location within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the course finally opened after seven years of development under proprietor Donald Trump.
Martin Hawtree, promoted from links consultant to lead designer, leveraged his experience with the R&A to navigate the dune-laden Menie Estate. Critics have noted the predominantly north-south orientation of the holes, but the natural dune formations along the coast dictated the layout’s direction.
The course features top-tier amenities typical of Trump golf facilities, including bent and fescue grass greens, meticulously revetted bunkers, multiple tee boxes per hole, and expansive grass pathways connecting greens to tees. With no cart paths in sight, the course emphasises a pure links experience.
Since its official opening in 2012, Trump International Golf Links has been touted as a venue capable of hosting major professional tournaments, drawing interest from PGA and European Tour officials. Its future in elite golf competitions remains a topic of anticipation.
