Sean Arble
a year on NCG Top 100s
Verified reviews
Checked and approved by NCG Top 100s before it was published.
I don't think there is any doubt Trump International is a great course. Some elements such as the swales around the greens and uphill approaches were overly relied upon. However, the putting surfaces are outstanding and the bunker placement is generally very imaginative and thought provoking. That said, the repetitive oval shape and size of the bunkers needs a serious re-evaluation. The fairways are generally wide enough, but with the rough being incredibly penal, perhaps some thought should be given to creating ten additional yards of first cut. One aspect of the design which is very off-putting for me is the long and often uphill green to tee walks. The course is essentially set-up for the back tees so those playing forward tees walk further without hitting shots. Part of the reason for these walks is surely down to the site being so rambunctious (reminds me Enniscrone), but I would prefer if more of the course was routed to suit the forward tees.