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

Trump International Golf Links Scotland Key Information

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…

Cathal Devlin

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.

Tim Gorman

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.

John Winter

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

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

• 2025/26 - 15
• 2023/24 - 18
• 2021/22 - 14
• 2019/20 – 10
• 2017/18 - 8
• 2015/16 - 14

Frequently Asked Questions