Trump International Golf Links is one of the most recently designed Golf links in Scotland.
Located in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire in the Eastern Region of Scotland and between Marcar Links and Cruden Bay.
Trump International has received excellent reception and is certainly worthy of hosting major professional golf competitions shortly.
The course has been laid out in a north-to-south direction and very close to the coastline. This has been described as a little uninspiring, but we disagree. Martin Hawtree, who was given the illustrious task of transforming this wonderful piece of land, understands Links Golf's principles and what makes links golf truly wonderful.
Martin, who has worked for the R&A as a consultant since 2006 has directly been involved in minor renovations of some very famous Open Championship courses.
Work completed on St.Andrews, Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie and Muirfield has seen Martin become a household name in the U.K and Ireland and one of the most respected consultants and Architects in the world.
In a modern-day era where property developers are putting together golf courses, that is stunningly photogenic but purposely built for the glossy magazines rather than the golfer in mind. Martin understands the true meaning of Links Golf and has designed something rather special.
The thrill golfers experience squeezing a ball amongst firm turf. Trying to keep the ball low and playing with an understanding of the wind only links golf can offer.
Approach shots with straight-faced irons, Putting from 30 yards out and being imaginative in shot selections, and using the turf as part of the golf course rather than something the ball merely flies over is so special. Trump International provides full criteria.
The course is measured at 7428 yards and is one of the longest courses in the UK, partially a product of Trump's desire to host an Open one day. Rest assured with no less than six tee positions the course is set up for golfers of all ages and abilities although we would suggest that the course is better suited for the more adept golfer.
Keeping the ball on the short grass is imperative, and anything off the fairway is a sure-fire way to require a reload (or Mulligan) since finding your new Titleist Pro V1 will be an adventure worthy of a jungle safari guide's assistance.
The greens are what you would expect from traditional links and are super fast-paced. All greens are slightly raised and have punishing slopes meaning that misplaced approach shots have a high potential for reversing into deep-faced bunkers and back down onto the bent grass fairways.
Our Signature Hole would be the Par 4, 14th Hole which is lengthy at 445 yards.
An Elevated tee shot requires nothing less than precision between the dunes and from the tee box, you will experience amazing views over the sea. There is certainly more forgiveness from the fairway than there may appear to be from this lofted tee box, check the wind and trust your instincts. Your second shot is a great one too.
With a minimal amount of blindness, you can see the green slopes to work your shot onto. The shot to avoid is the high wispy fade that will be ultimately attracted to the front greenside bunker.
Trump International is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Scotland.
