Scottish golf entered a bold new chapter as Golf News’ Matt Nicholson witnessed the official opening of The New Course at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, a layout already being hailed as a modern links masterpiece.
From the rugged dunes of Aberdeenshire to the sweeping fairways shaped with precision, this is a course that doesn’t just complement the original it elevates the entire destination.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump the 45th and 47th President of the United States cut the red ribbon to launch what the Trump Golf Organisation is calling The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf. The moment carried pomp, presence and plenty of political and sporting firepower.
The ceremony unfolded in grand fashion, complete with pipers from Robert Gordon’s College leading the President to the first tee.
Joining the crowd of invited guests were notable figures including Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, leaders from across the golf industry, and high-profile professionals.
With his son Eric Trump, 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, and 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem by his side, President Trump struck the ceremonial first tee shot sending his drive sailing down the middle of the fairway. So began the New Course’s story, not just as a golf course, but as a global golfing spectacle.
Crafted from Dunes, Driven by Vision
At 7,589 yards, the New Course snakes through some of the most dramatic natural dunes in the world.
Every hole bears the imprint of strategic intent and natural artistry, resulting in a layout that’s both visually arresting and strategically demanding.
The project has been spearheaded by Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation, who led a team of top golf architects and environmental consultants.
The course builds on the original masterplan by celebrated architect Dr. Martin Hawtree, and was brought to life by Golflink Evolve, led by Esie O’Mahoney and Jamie O’Reilly.
Perhaps most astonishing is the course’s natural bunker complex—claimed to be the largest in the world—adding to a layout that already brims with drama and scale.
“This is our Mona Lisa,” said Eric Trump during the opening. “It’s a once-in-a-generation course, and I truly believe these are the greatest 36 holes in the world.”
Big Names, Big Tournaments
The grand opening also heralds a double-header of championship golf at the venue. The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, hosted by Colin Montgomerie, kicks off this Thursday (July 31–August 3), followed next week by the DP World Tour Nexo Championship (August 7–10).
Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President of Trump International Scotland, told us:
“This is more than a golf course—it’s a tribute to Scotland’s golf heritage and a bold statement about where the game is heading. What’s been achieved here is world-class.”
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the PGA European Tour, also praised the vision behind the New Course:
“It’s a spectacular achievement. The Trump family has created something that stands proudly alongside the very best golf experiences on the planet.”
With the launch of the New Course, Trump International Scotland has cemented its reputation not just as a top-tier golf venue—but as a global golfing force. From championship-calibre layouts to world-class events, Aberdeenshire now stands firmly at the heart of modern links golf.
We came expecting grandeur and left convinced this course is destined for greatness.
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