Trump International (Old)

It doesn't quite seem right to call it the Old Course, considering it was only opened in 2012. However, that is the case now with Trump International becoming a 36-hole venue...

 

The original 18-hole layout at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland was designed by Martin Hawtree, with the course winding its way through the sand dunes on the Balmedie coastline of eastern Scotland.

 

Hawtree could hardly present a greater contrast with his employer on this project, describing the course as five per cent his work and 95 that of Mother Nature. 

 

As you would expect, it is always in immaculate condition, and there is a stunning range of holes, with incredible views from elevated tee boxes throughout a round.

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In 2006, Trump purchased a plot of 1,400 acres, just north of Aberdeen with the intention of turning it into a $1 billion golf course.

He aimed to transform it into a world-class golfing destination that would not only meet but exceed the standards required to host prestigious events like the Open Championship. Trump's ambition was evident in his plans, which included the creation of an 18-hole golf course, a luxurious five-star hotel, and various other amenities to attract golf enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.

During development there was much controversy about the environmental impact of the course's construction. It began in 2010, showcasing Trump's determination to bring his vision to life. The private course, the first phase of the project, officially opened on July 10th, 2012. Trump International Golf Club Aberdeen soon became a haven for golfers seeking a challenging and picturesque course.

However, the environmental debate surrounding the project persisted over the years. Critics argued the construction had negatively impacted the sand dunes and their unique ecosystem. This controversy reached a critical point in 2020 when the sand dunes lost their SSSI status, a significant blow to the ecological integrity of the region.

 

The course has become a host of both the European Legends Tour and the DP World Tour in recent years, becoming the host to the Staysure Seniors PGA Championship, the flagship event of the Legends Tour.

 

2025 then saw the opening of the New Course, a second 18-hole layout at the Aberdeenshire venue. The venue now has the strapline "The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf"...

 

The Old Course at Trump International is what you might class as the American version of links golf - highly manicured fairways and gorgeous green complexes. It is also a layout where if you go slightly offline, you will find yourself reaching into your bag for another ball. Thick rough and fescue occupies the dunes that line the fairways. Keep the ball down the middle, and there are scoring opportunities to take, though (if you're playing from the right tees).
 

At 7,428 yards, the Championship Black tees make the Old Course one of the longest layouts in the United Kingdom. Thankfully for us mere mortals, there is plenty of choice. The Golds at 7,025, the Blues at 6,602, the Whites at 6,329 or even the Greens at 5,845, can all be enjoyed! In terms of routing, there are shades of Western Gailes, in that you play from a clubhouse standing halfway down the links and play to one end before coming back to the clubhouse after nine then continuing to the opposite end all the way until the final turn for home.
 

There are two cracking par 5s in the opening four holes, and with the wind behind, these can both be reached in two. However, into the prevailing wind, you will be happy to get there in three! The 1st is 478 yards from the Whites, but with the fairway pinching in, driver might not be the play for the longer hitters. As with several holes on the course, the green sits above the fairway, and requires an accurate approach shot. The 4th has a ditch running down the entirety of its right side which comes into play throughout. Anything right of the green on the approach will find a swale that leaves a very tricky up and down.

 

In between those sits the tricky 2nd, with a burn running across the fairway. Depending on the tee box, crossing the burn might be the smart play off the tee. The first of the short holes, the 3rd, is magnificent, the tee shot framed by dunes yet the green open and thrillingly close to the sand and the sea. After making the turn back towards the clubhouse, a trio of shorter holes come at you. At 350 yards, 5 requires a solid tee shot and then a low iron, while the 7th is just 230 yards from the Whites, and offers a real birdie chance. In between comes the par 3 6th, which has more space to the left than you might first think.

 

Any shots gained on those three holes might well be lost as you get back to the clubhouse. The 8th and 9th are par 4s of more than 420 yards from the Whites, with the latter having a green that is more than 50 yards deep and across three tiers. If you find the wrong tier, then you could be three-putting your way to the halfway house.

 

Another great par 5 kicks off the back nine. The 10th rises up the dunes and winds round to the left for the approach, so your second shot needs to find the right side of the fairway to give yourself the best view of the green. 11 turns the opposite way, needing a drive down the left side, as does the 12th. Played back into the prevailing wind, a true strike is needed off the tee to put yourself in position to attack the flag. The par 3 13th plays directly towards the North Sea, with the wind typically off the left. A quartet of bunkers lie in wait for anything that fails to reach the surface.

 

Enjoy the view from the elevated tee on 14, before getting back down to business. This is one of the tightest fairways on the course, and as one of the longer par 4s, most will have to hit driver... 15 is a risk-and-reward hole that comes just at the right stage of the round. After arguably the hardest stretch, you have the chance to get a wedge in your hands and play to a relatively open green but only if your tee shot is bold and true, flying some bunkers to cut the corner.
 
The closing stretch begins with the last of the short holes. Seven bunkers guard the green on the 16th, with the five on the left side all needing to be carried thanks to the angle of the putting surface. 17 is a 405-yard par 4 that requires another solid drive to put yourself in play. Two bunkers down the left side are there for anything pulled off the tee, while the green is long, like the 9th. The closing hole on the Old Course at Trump International Golf Links is a showstopper. From the very tips, it plays 650 yards. and even off the Whites, it is 586 yards, so you're not getting there in two! To make par on 18, it is all about avoiding the bunkers, but there are 14 of them to miss. Throw in the water on the left off the tee and the thick rough on either side, and it is one hell of a finishing hole!
 

Trump International sits on the northeastern coastline of Scotland, just outside the village of Balmedie. It is around 20 minutes from the centre of Aberdeen, and the course overlooks the North Sea. The A90 is just a couple of miles inland from the venue, making it easy to get to from Aberdeen as well.

 

For international visitors, Aberdeen Airport is the closest major international airport, sitting around 15 miles from Trump International. Dyce, which is at the airport, is also the nearest train station. Edinburgh Airport, which services the nation's capital, is 140 miles south of the venue.

 

How many courses are there at Trump International Golf Links?  
There are now two courses at Trump International. The Old Course has been joined by the New Course, with the latter opening in 2025.

 

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?  
Trump International is one of several venues in the Aberdeenshire area. Cruden Bay, with both its Championship Course and St Olaf Course, is 15 miles to the north, with Peterhead's Craigewan Course a further 10 miles past that. Murcar Links, Royal Aberdeen and the Hawkshill Course at Newmachar are are all within 10 miles of Trump International to the south and west.

What golf facilities does Trump International offer?  
Along with the two courses, Trump International has some of the best practice facilities in the country. There is a full-length driving range, played into the prevailing wind to get you ready for the round - all played off grass tees. There is also a world class short game area and a large putting green, the latter sitting between the clubhouse and the opening holes of both courses.
 

What are the green fees at Trump International?
The price of a green fee at Trump International changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. 

 

For more information on current green fees at Trump International, visit their booking site here. 

Visit Trump International's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.