Trump International Golf Links

Every time a new links course opens somewhere in the world it is usually followed by a dire prediction it will be the last, not because there isn’t more available linksland, but because the linksland that is available is usually heavily environmentally protected. In Scotland that protection usually has the moniker Triple SI or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Menie Estate where Trump International Scotland is located is considered an SSSI site and as such, the proposed course and resort/real estate complex was very controversial. The development had to go through several planning applications, even with the full support of the Scotland government. The Menie Estate had previously been used for controlled bird hunting that didn’t require any dune stabilization.

Building the world-class Trump International Links was a different story. Especially as it was Trump’s directive that the sea be seen from every hole. In order to achieve that goal, it was necessary to plant vast quantities of marram grass so that the dunes could withstand the construction and golfers walking.

His vision was achieved by Martin Hawtree, one of the UK’s leading golf architects, and the only word to describe the views of the North Sea from the course is – stunning. A veritable feast for the eyes and distracting for the golf swing.

Perhaps the best view is from the perch of the championship tee of the 14th hole a 445-yard, par 4. Whose challenge is the wind, keeping it off the towering dunes on the way to a perfect ribbon of fairway, framed by the beach and a lone deep bunker guarding the green.