Trump International Golf Links Scotland: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times, Key Info

Trump International Golf Links Scotland Key Information

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.

Set across an incredible stretch of links land with fairways wending between towering sand hills, past wild grasses and flowers, there are glimpses of the stunning, sprawling beach and great views up and down the coast.

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.

There are no weak holes, it’s a triumph of design. There’s a wonderful blend of long and short holes and, with both nines starting and ending at the clubhouse, the wind helps and hurts equally on both sides.

The course can be set up to be supremely challenging and, when the wind blows, even the finest players will find their game receives a thorough examination. But a selection of teeing options means players of varying standards will enjoy a game on the Menie Estate.

It’s a course where simply walking the beautifully maintained pathways through the dunes is enjoyable and good golf would be merely a bonus. 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.

Extensive re-development of bunkering under supervision of Martin Hawtree has taken place in recent years. A total of 40 bunkers were converted from revetted to a more natural look with marram grass edging, to blend more seamlessly with the landscape.

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.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Cameron Roy

Routing makes use of the natural terrain and the course plays as a vague figure of 8 and the ever present wind usually plays across you. The fairways are reasonably generous but are punctuated by lots of well placed pot bunkers.

The course is magnificent. A superb modern links which tests every facet of your game. The brilliance of the design means that you are constantly in awe of the spectacular holes which unfold before you. The course is tough and the rough which lines the fairways is thick and unrelenting.

Tim Gorman

Several lovely views out to the North Sea. Built over oodles of dune filled land providing a very private experience. 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

Trump International Golf Links Scotland Location

Trump International Golf Links Scotland Green Fees

Green fees vary on the time of year. To find out more, book through the Trump International Golf Links Scotland website.

Trump International Golf Links Scotland Scorecard

Best Courses near to Trump International Golf Links Scotland

ROYAL ABERDEEN

A classic out-and-back links with a front nine offering a stretch of holes to rival any in the country. From tees set in the dunes, play forges out up the Aberdeenshire coastline via an eclectic selection of holes asking for either power, precision or both.

MURCAR LINKS

This is a fabulous and traditional links with elevated tees, gorse and wide views out to sea. The course really enters its stride down by the shoreline from the par-five 4th. From then on, great and engaging golf continues all the way.

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

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Trump International Golf Links Scotland Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2023/24 - 18
• 2021/22 - 14
• 2019/20 – 10
• 2017/18 - 8
• 2015/16 - 14

Frequently Asked Questions