Trump International Scotland

From the turnoff from the road to the parking lot by the clubhouse, continue for another 2 km. Along the way, you’ll see a sign that reads “The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf.” I’m not sure if I can agree with that claim, especially when compared to Sunningdale or Winged Foot. But what is clear to me is that these are two of the most spectacular courses. Not just in terms of golf, but also visually. Many of the holes are incredible, and during the round I often turn around to take photos of the holes from the opposite perspective. In my opinion, the Old Course is slightly better. It’s far more compact in terms of the style of the holes and their surroundings. The New Course is still young; it’s only been open since 2025. But it has a different style of holes, which is a good thing. Having two identical—albeit superb—courses side by side probably wouldn’t make much sense. The New Course also features several “non-links” holes, thanks to the water hazards, which are quite extensive. However, there are only 6 such holes. The rest is pure links, often brought into a modern style thanks to large and dramatic sand traps. The best stretch is from holes 8 to 14. The quality of the course is top-notch. The only weakness is the food. And it’s not just this course. We don’t expect fine dining at UK courses, but a top-tier course like this deserves more than just sandwiches or burgers. Otherwise, it’s a great experience, as is typical of courses bearing the Trump name.

Op een regenachtige dag (+ mist) deze fantastische baan gelopen met 2 Schotten, een fantastische ervaring en bijna niet voor te stellen hoe deze baan 10 jaar geleden is gebouwd, super goed onderhouden faciliteiten en super mooie en uitdagende holes met veel duinen, bunkers en uitdagende greens. Best ever !

Trump International is much more understated than its brasher siblings at Turnberry and Doonbeg. We were later told that this is meant to have a traditional Scottish golf club feel, and that is precisely what it achieves. There are plans to extend luxury accommodation in the future, but for now, the concentration is on golf, which is why complementary links are being opened this summer to complete “The Greatest 36.” Meanwhile, you cannot get away from the American influence on service. Everyone is on point from arrival onwards with cheery welcomes in the pro shop, clubhouse restaurant and from the starter. No expense has been spared on the ‘old’ course, which opened in 2011 but continues to evolve. We played on a crisp but sunny spring day and had time to hit some balls on the range, but not on the short-game area. We were told Phil Mickelson described the latter as “the best in the world.” Almost every hole at Trump International is framed by enormous, grassed dunes with elevated tees on the vast majority. So, the intimidation factor was present as early as the first, where the vivid green fairway snaked like a carpet between the long, light brown grass on the mounds surrounding it. Champagne should have flowed on the glorious sixth – a par-three set in the dunes with a giant mound on the left and intense fall-off on the right. For a heart-stopping moment, the ball disappeared and then re-emerged, stopping four feet from the flag. I missed the tap-in birdie! The layout and the views of the back nine were even more stunning than those going out. The par-five 10th is especially memorable with an uphill drive from tees among heather towards a funnel of fairway between dunes. Fortunately, the hole looks more intimidating than it is, and keen course management allows a short shot into a target surrounded by the tallest sandhills on the property. The 18th at Trump International is as dramatic and difficult as any home hole that I have encountered. From the elevated white tee, bunkers seem to fill the horizon. Indeed, there are 18 to avoid before the final putt is made. The champagne moment belonged to our host for walking away from this monster with a par. It was a cracking finale to a round that had justified our decision to tee it up on the course that Donald Trump built.

Sobrepasó todas mis expectativas con creces. Tienes algunos hoyos realmente increibles. Es un duro test de golf al mismo tiempo.

Outstanding area on along Balmedie beach. No es barato pero disfrutas cada libra que pagas.

Incredible golf course in some of the largest dunes I’ve ever seen. Course conditioning outstanding and superb practice facilities. Staff very friendly and good food at reasonable prices. A grand day out!