Trump International Golf Links - Old Course

Trump International Golf Links Scotland occupies a three-mile stretch of North Sea coastline on the Menie Estate at Balmedie, where Martin Hawtree routed 7,428 yards of golf through dramatic dunes reaching 100 feet in height.

Opening in July 2012 after seven years of development, the links has established itself amongst the greats of modern Scottish championship venues, approximately 16km (10 miles) north of Aberdeen.

Why Play Trump International Golf Links Scotland?

Experience championship links golf routed through Europe's most spectacular coastal dunes. The 22-acre practice facility and comprehensive short game areas provide on-site facilities that rival any to be found in Scotland.

History of Trump International Golf Links Scotland

Donald Trump acquired the 570-hectare Menie Estate in 2006, initiating development of what became one of Scotland's most debated golf projects. The Site of Special Scientific Interest designation protecting 4,000-year-old sand dunes triggered seven years of planning approvals before construction commenced.

Hawtree was promoted from links consultant to lead designer, applying his extensive Open Championship course experience to routing fairways through the naturally occurring dune systems. SOL Golf Course Construction began work in the late 2000s, with superintendent John Bambury overseeing the planting of five million marram grass sprigs to stabilise the shifting sands.

The links opened on 10 July 2012, with Donald Trump and Colin Montgomerie conducting the official ceremony.

The DP World Tour confirmed Trump International Golf Links Scotland would host the Scottish Championship from 7-10 August 2025, marking the venue's debut hosting a top-tier European professional tournament.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The par-72 championship links stretches 7,428 yards from the back tees, following a classical out-and-back routing of two nine-hole loops returning to the clubhouse at the midpoint. Hawtree oriented all holes except the 229-yard 13th in a north-south direction along the coastline, positioning fairways between naturally occurring dune systems rather than cutting through them.

The front nine plays closer to the shoreline through undulating terrain, with the 5th hole demonstrating the routing's strategic variety—a short par-4 offering multiple approach angles. Beyond the turn, the back nine enters more dramatic topography where dunes soar to their greatest heights. The 14th tee provides panoramic views across the North Sea from an elevated position surrounded by towering sandhills, creating one of Scottish links golf's most memorable moments.

The 18th concludes proceedings at 617 yards, playing generally into the prevailing wind with a plethora of bunkers defending the approach. All holes feature at least five tee positions, with several offering six or seven options, allowing appropriate challenge across abilities. Bent and fescue grass greens display Hawtree's characteristic waved edges, whilst fully revetted bunkers throughout demand precision. Ten acres of grass pathways connect greens to tees without cart paths interrupting the natural links environment.

Notable Architectural Features

The 6th hole epitomises Hawtree's approach to working with extreme topography—a short par-3 where enormous dune formations dictated locating only teeing areas and green complexes within manageable terrain.

The 9th presents 470 yards where subtle ground contours feed tee shots laterally across a swollen fairway, with the 11,300 square-foot green amongst the course's most receptive to ground-approach shots.

At the 13th, the routing climbs from high point to high point for 230 yards across a valley where marram grass stabilisation conceals substantial earthmoving work beneath natural-appearing landforms.

The 14th then delivers 445 yards from its championship tee perched amongst the dunes, with the fairway visible far below, threading between sandy peaks with the North Sea beyond.

The 17th utilises natural ground contours across its 455 yards, whilst the 16th echoes classic echelon bunkering, favouring players who shape draws into back-right pin positions.

Throughout, the scale distinguishes the venue—dunes measuring 100 feet in places create an amphitheatre effect, with some fairways positioned 40 feet below surrounding peaks.

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Trump International Golf Links Scotland anchors Aberdeen's championship links corridor alongside established World Top 100 venues.

Within 15km (9 miles): Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie Links sits adjacent to Murcar Links Golf Club, both offering same-day rounds approximately 15 minutes south. Royal Aberdeen hosted the 2014 Scottish Open and 2011 Walker Cup, whilst Murcar's 1909 Archie Simpson design provides traditional links golf.

15-40km (9-25 miles): Cruden Bay Golf Club lies 37km (23 miles) north, approximately 30 minutes' driving. The 1899 layout ranks amongst Scotland's most distinctive traditional links. Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club occupies the midpoint between Trump International and Cruden Bay on the Ythan estuary.

60km+ (37+ miles): Peterhead Golf Club (37km north) and Fraserburgh Golf Club (64km north) extend the Aberdeenshire links trail. Southward, Stonehaven Golf Club provides clifftop golf 40km from Aberdeen.

Aberdeen city centre serves as the logical accommodation base, positioned 16km from Trump International with comprehensive hotel options from boutique properties like Malmaison Aberdeen to The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa. MacLeod House & Lodge provides 19-bedroom luxury accommodation directly on the Menie Estate for golfers prioritising convenience.

Practical Planning

The 22-acre driving range features north and south-facing tees, with an extensive short game area and a 3,500 square-metre putting green.

The Dunes Restaurant & Bar occupies the granite clubhouse overlooking the links, serving from 06:30 until 21:00 daily. The food is spectacular - some of the best clubhouse food in the UK.

Advance booking is essential for peak summer periods (May-September).

Transport Information ✈️

Aberdeen International Airport: 24km (15 miles), approximately 20-25 minutes via A90 north then B977. Major car hire facilities with direct motorway access to Balmedie.

Edinburgh Airport: 200km (124 miles), approximately 3 hours 15 minutes for direct international connections.

Public Transport: Limited bus services operate from Aberdeen city centre to Balmedie village. Car hire is strongly recommended for golf trips in this part of Scotland.

Ground Transport: From Aberdeen, follow A90 north for 14km, exit onto B977 towards Balmedie. The Menie Estate entrance lies 2km beyond Balmedie village. Clear signage from main roads.

Seasonal Timing

Spring (March-May): Course opens for the season with firm conditions developing as daylight extends. Advance booking is advisable as demand increases through May. Temperatures 8-14°C with variable coastal winds.

Summer (June-August): Peak season coinciding with extended daylight and optimal playing conditions. Temperatures 12-18°C with occasional haar (sea fog) affecting coastal areas.

Autumn (September-November): Shoulder season offering reduced rates and fewer players, though the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Links maintain their condition into October and even November. Temperatures 8-14°C with strengthening autumn winds.

Winter (December-February): Year-round play subject to weather conditions. The course is playable year-round, though North Sea storms can close the links. Significantly reduced rates. Temperatures 2-8°C with short daylight hours limiting rounds.

Trump International Golf Links Scotland: The Verdict

Trump International Golf Links Scotland delivers championship golf through dune systems, matching any in British links golf.

The venue's DP World Tour debut in August 2025 marks recognition of its credentials for professional tournament golf, whilst the Aberdeenshire location provides access to Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links within 30 minutes' driving.

The investment in practice facilities and the classical two-loop routing through spectacular coastal terrain established the venue amongst Scotland's modern links destinations.

With a second 18 making one of the world's most compelling 36-hole links venues, Trump International Golf Links Scotland just went from strength to strength.