A new era of championship golf has begun in Scotland with the official opening of The New Course at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland – a course already being hailed as a modern masterpiece and a defining moment in the evolution of global golf destinations.
Opened on July 29, 2025 by President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, the New Course is crafted through some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring coastal dunes in the world, delivering a breathtaking fusion of nature, design strategy and raw beauty.
The president cut the red ribbon to mark the opening of the course in a grand opening ceremony attended by leading political figures, including Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, and VIP guests including leaders of the golf industry and internationally renowned professionals. The president was piped to the first tee by the pipe band from Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen.
Hitting the inaugural shot off the first tee, the president fired a drive down the middle of the first fairway and was joined for the opening round on the New Course by his son, Eric, 2014 Ryder Cup European captain Paul McGinley and 2002 US PGA Championship winner, Rich Beem as well as members of the first family.
Together with the original Old Course – launched to international acclaim in 2012 – the New Course now forms what is being celebrated as ‘The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf’.
The course is the result of a design process led by Eric Trump, supported by a team of experienced golf architects, engineers, agronomists, and environmental consultants. The project builds on the original links masterplan developed by renowned golf architect Dr Martin Hawtree and has been brought to life by the exceptional team at Golflink Evolve under the direction of Esie O’Mahoney and Jamie O’Reilly.
Every detail of the 7589-yard New Course has been shaped with precision and passion, from the colossal natural bunkers to the majestic rolling landscape that gives the course its signature drama. The course features the world’s largest natural sand bunker.
Executive vice president of The Trump Organisation, Eric Trump, said: “This is not just another great golf course – it’s a once-in-a-generation masterpiece. We speak of the Mona Lisa when we talk about timeless masterpieces in golf. This is our Mona Lisa and it will be here for hundreds of years to come.
“I firmly believe that both courses here are the greatest 36 holes you will find anywhere in the world and we have achieved history with the New Course being opened by the president of the United States and our venue here staging two prestigious tournaments back-to-back this week and next.”
The grand opening ceremony also marked the start of an exceptional two weeks of golf at Trump International in Aberdeenshire with the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, hosted by Colin Montgomerie, taking place from July 31 to August 3 followed by the DP World Tour Nexo Championship 2025 from August 7 to August 10.
Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, said: “What has been achieved here by the Trump family is truly world-class – a triumph of ambition, craftsmanship and respect for the land.
“The New Course pushes the boundaries of what links golf can be, while remaining deeply rooted in Scotland’s rich golfing heritage. The course is a destination in its own right but will also form part of The Greatest 36 Holes in Golf, standing proudly as a beacon to golfers from around the globe.”
Speaking at the grand opening ceremony for the New Course, Guy Kinnings, chief executive officer of the PGA European Tour, said: “The New Course is spectacular. I know that Eric Trump has been personally involved in leading design and development of the course and with the President’s Scottish roots, it clearly has profound significance and meaning for the entire Trump family. I would therefore commend and congratulate Eric, the Trump family and he Trump Organisation for their vision and achievement in creating a world class golfing experience.”
With the opening of the New Course, Trump International Scotland has cemented its position as a global golfing powerhouse, offering two world-class courses in a setting of unrivalled natural beauty.
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