Trump International Golf Links Scotland Key Information
A round at Trump International Golf Links Scotland is a true experience. The term "wow factor" is much overused, but is totally appropriate here. It's an incredibly striking course where designer Martin Hawtree has made the very most of the towering dunes. It's an extremely special place to play. It's tough but, even if you find it daunting, you will also find it great fun.
REASONS TO PLAY TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS SCOTLAND
– Simply incredible stretch of dune land with tremendous views.
– A modern architectural marvel that has to be seen and played to be believed.
– A selection of hugely memorable holes, some great par 3s.
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 15
This superb modern links has been a feature of the top-20 of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I rankings for 10 years now.
Since opening for play in 2012, Trump International Golf Links on the coast north of Aberdeen, has earned a reputation as one of the very best coastal courses in the country. Whatever views you have on the owners, the golfing offering is spectacular.
With views to the sprawling Balmedie beach and up and down the striking Aberdeenshire coast, this is an exceptional stretch of links land. Fairways are pathways between enormous sand hills and they wind past wild grasses and flowers. It's stunning.
I was fortunate to be at the course opening over a decade ago where course designer Martin Hawtree spoke of how fortunate he was to work with this terrain and how keen he was to use the lie of the land to the greatest possible effect. He has managed it fantastically well.
From the par-3 3rd where the beach is revealed just yards behind the putting surface to the stunning 14th where the elevated tee looks down upon a sweeping fairway forging through the dunes, this is a stirring and hugely memorable layout.
Something I always look for when judging a course is how many weak holes there are. On this course, there are none. It's a superb design. The course features a great blend of short and long holes. Two loops of nine beginning and ending at the understated clubhouse mean that you play as many holes with the wind helping as you do with it hurting on both halves.
When the wind blows, there's no getting away from the fact that this is a supremely challenging course where even the best players will face a tough test. But there is a great selection of teeing options meaning golfers of varying standards will enjoy playing on the Menie Estate.
A word that our panellists use frequently in describing Trump International Golf Links is, “breathtaking.”
Simply walking the fairways is enjoyable but playing golf over them is something special. I particularly love the grass pathways from greens to tees. The work done on the bunkering has further enhanced the aesthetics and it really is a visually stunning golf course. Off course, the clubhouse is more understated than you might imagine and the practice facilities are second to none – the short game area is a work of art.
Trump International Scotland delivers golfing rock and roll – a real adrenaline kick out on the links. It’s a stunning design, both as a work of art and a test of golf. Hawtree’s links masterpiece is a fairytale golf course. I for one can't wait to get out and play the new MacLeod Course when it opens. If it's anything close to being as good, it will be a treat.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
Experience is the word that keeps coming back to me. It’s not a place you’ll tip into for a second 18 of the day. A day here is a day spent on the excellent practice facilities, a long and enjoyable walk around the links and a nice trip to the clubhouse to unwind and recollect. Absolutely deserves its place in the GM Top 20.
As with all the very top courses, it is a seriously difficult technical challenge. Best to aim for middle of the greens for approach shots and then worry about the putting. And pray for calm conditions….
This is a must-play course for the serious/enthusiastic golfer.
Majestic dunes, sea views, challenging course, extensive practice facilities and functional halfway house, Trump International ticked all the boxes and more. The course exceeded my expectations and I was gifted great weather too. There are so many standout holes that it’s a course that I would definitely want to play again now that I know my way around.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland Location
Trump International Golf Links Scotland Scorecard
Best Courses near to Trump International Golf Links Scotland
Best Places to stay near Trump International Golf Links Scotland
MacLeod House on the Menie Estate - Book through the website
A historic mansion set within the Menie Estate, it's the most convenient place to stay if playing Trump Scotland. It's also extremely luxurious and a good base from which to explore the other golf courses of Aberdeenshire.
Malmaison Aberdeen - Book now at Booking.com
A sophisticated hotel in central Aberdeen. A lively and stylish place to base yourself. Featuring a brasserie and sneaky whisky snug, there's also a nice wee spa.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland Gallery
Trump International Golf Links Scotland Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 15
- 2023/24 - 18
- 2021/22 - 14
- 2019/20 – 10
- 2017/18 - 8
- 2015/16 - 14
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf clubs does Trump own in Scotland?
He owns two golf destinations in Scotland - Trump International Golf Links as described above and Trump Turnberry. The latter is a former Open venue having hosted the championship in 1977, 1994 and 2009.
Who designed Trump International Golf Links Scotland?
It was Martin Hawtree. Martin Hawtree is the third generation designer as part of a company started by his grandfather, Frederick George Hawtree. His son Frederick William Hawtree continued the work during World War II and then Martin took over in 1973. Hawtree has also worked on Lahinch, Bearwood Lakes and Dooks.
