Trump International Golf Links - New Course

Trump International Golf Links Scotland's New Course opened in July 2025 on Aberdeenshire's North Sea coastline, expanding the Menie Estate into a 36-hole destination.

Why Play Trump International Golf Links Scotland - New Course?

Experience Scotland's most recently opened championship links across three distinct landscapes—coastal dunes, heather-clad heathland, and wetland terrain. The layout is also said to feature the world's largest natural sand bunker!

History of Trump International Golf Links Scotland - New Course

Planning for the second layout began in 2019 when Aberdeenshire Council granted outline approval, followed by detailed construction consent in October 2020.

Construction commenced in May 2023 following a groundbreaking ceremony with President Trump. The project involved sourcing virtually all materials from the 1,400-acre site—sand, stone, and soil extracted locally to minimise environmental impact.

President Donald Trump officially opened the New Course on 27 July 2025 in a ceremony attended by Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and golf industry leaders. The ribbon-cutting featured the pipe band from Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen, with Trump hitting the inaugural tee shot before playing the opening round with Eric Trump, 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, and 2002 US PGA Championship winner Rich Beem. Public tee times began 13 August 2025, to immediate acclaim.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The New Course contrasts dramatically with its coastal sibling. Where the Old Course threads through towering dunes along the shoreline, this layout spans three landscape types across hundreds of acres south and west of the original routing.

Only six holes occupy the coastal dune system, with holes 11-13 providing direct North Sea views. The remaining layout traverses heather-clad heathland and expansive wetlands, incorporating ancient burns into the design. This routing creates a links-heathland hybrid that is both unique and unprecedented in Scottish golf.

From championship tees, the course stretches 7,589 yards. The design team integrated infinity-edge greens—putting surfaces that appear to drop away toward the horizon—and strategic bunkering that includes the world's largest natural sand bunker.

Eric Trump led the development process, supported by architects Martin Hawtree, Christian Lundin from Sweden's (re)GOLF, and Canadian architect Christine Fraser. Construction execution fell to Golflink Evolve under directors Esie O'Mahoney and Jamie O'Reilly, building upon Hawtree's original masterplan for the estate.

The routing deliberately avoids replicating the Old Course's character. Rather than coastal drama throughout, this layout offers variety: exposed links sections transition to sheltered heathland corridors before emerging into wetland expanses where water features and natural vegetation frame holes.

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Aberdeen's North Sea coastline between Bridge of Don and Cruden Bay hosts three courses ranked in the World Top 100. Trump International sits geographically and competitively amongst Scotland's finest links territory.

Within 15km (9 miles): Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie) sits 19km (12 miles) south, approximately 20 minutes via A90. Murcar Links borders Royal Aberdeen, accessible within 25 minutes. Both offer traditional links golf, contrasting with Trump's enormous scale.

15-30km (9-19 miles): Cruden Bay lies 37km (23 miles) north, approximately 30 minutes driving beyond Trump International. This Tom Simpson masterpiece provides Old Tom Morris' foundations with dramatic clifftop holes and the famous coffin bunkers.

30km+ (19+ miles): Newburgh-on-Ythan (21km north, 25 minutes) offers understated links quality on flatter ground. Peterhead Golf Club (50km north, 45 minutes) features spectacular stretches from holes 8-10 and 15-17.

Aberdeen city centre provides accommodation across budget ranges, positioned 19km (12 miles) south with 20-25 minute access via A90. Multi-course itineraries benefit from Bridge of Don hotels, reducing travel to Royal Aberdeen and Murcar while maintaining reasonable access to Trump International and northern venues.

Practical Planning

Green fees for the New Course begin at £495 for individual rounds, with four-ball bookings at £1,750. Combined 36-hole packages accessing both Old and New courses cost £900. Two-night packages including 36 holes, dinner, bed and breakfast at MacLeod House start from £2,500.

MacLeod House & Lodge, the restored 14th-century manor on the estate, provides 16 bedrooms with five-star amenities. The 19th-century property features period details, Italian marble bathrooms, a whisky snug, and wellness facilities.

Booking remains essential, particularly for weekend tee times and summer months. The resort operates pay-and-play with seasonal rate variations.

Transport Information ✈️

Aberdeen International Airport: 19km (12 miles), approximately 20 minutes driving via A90 south then A92 north to Balmedie. Major UK and European carriers serve the airport, with car rental facilities providing direct motorway access.

Edinburgh Airport: 200km (124 miles), approximately 2 hours 45 minutes via M90 and A90 for international connections through Scotland's largest airport.

Rail Services: Aberdeen Railway Station connects to Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes) and London King's Cross (7 hours). The station sits 24km (15 miles) from the course, requiring a taxi or hire car for the final transfer.

Ground Transport: The A90 Aberdeen-Peterhead road provides primary access, with the course entrance at Balmedie clearly signposted. The estate features a 2.4km (1.5-mile) private drive through woodland past MacLeod House.

Seasonal Timing

Spring (March-May): March and April offer value rates with increasing daylight, though temperatures remain cool (8-12°C). Booking advisable from Easter onward.

Summer (June-August): Peak season brings extended daylight (20+ hours in June) and warmest temperatures (14-18°C). The busiest period requires booking several months ahead, with premium rates applying.

Autumn (September-November): Shoulder season provides excellent value with courses at peak firmness. September offers summer-like conditions with reduced demand. November sees winter pricing begin.

Winter (December-February): The course remains open year-round, conditions permitting, with significant discounts available. Daylight restricts play (7-8 hours), and weather variability increases. Hardy golfers find uncrowded fairways and authentic Scottish conditions.

Trump International Golf Links Scotland - New Course: The Verdict

The New Course establishes Trump International as Scotland's premier 36-hole modern links destination, offering landscape variety absent from the Old Course. Opening with professional tournament hosting demonstrates ambitions beyond resort golf.

The architectural team's integration of three terrain types—coastal dunes, heathland, and wetlands—creates routing diversity rarely attempted in contemporary links design.

The self-proclaimed greatest 36's proximity to Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, and Murcar positions the venue within Britain's densest concentration of championship links, strengthening Aberdeen's credentials for extended golf holidays focused on contrasting architectural styles across minimal travel distances.