News Summary
President Donald Trump’s golf resorts, Trump Turnberry and Trump International Scotland, are grappling with financial difficulties. Despite recent improvements showing Turnberry’s first profit in years, both properties are burdened with substantial debt. Trump International Scotland reported increasing losses, while discussions about future investments remain ongoing. The financial condition of these golf resorts continues to raise concerns amid political implications and local opposition to proposed developments.
Scotland – President Donald Trump’s Scottish golf resorts, Trump Turnberry and Trump International Scotland, are facing financial difficulties, as highlighted during his recent visit to Scotland in July. Despite discussions with key figures like U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, both properties struggle with substantial debts and questions surrounding their profitability.
Trump Turnberry, purchased for $67 million in 2014, has seen struggles evident in the $315 million losses across all his golf courses outside the United States over the last two decades. However, recent reports indicate a shift in fortunes for Turnberry, which posted $28.6 million in sales and $5.15 million in profits in 2023, marking its first profitable year since 2019. Despite this, operating costs at the resort grew by approximately $2.03 million in 2023, stemming from increased regional utility costs, supplier expenses, and rising minimum wage requirements.
Both properties are managed by Eric Trump and held in a trust overseen by Trump’s children. In total, these resorts carry a combined debt of $239.32 million, with Trump Turnberry’s debt alone decreasing to $168.15 million this year. This decrease primarily occurred due to favorable exchange rate changes and not through direct repayment of the principal debt. Eric Trump noted that all Turnberry’s debt is owed to the Trump Organization and not external creditors.
In a more challenging financial position, Trump International Scotland reported $5.02 million in revenues in 2023, with losses increasing to $1.9 million. Despite accumulating losses, Eric Trump remains optimistic, stating that ongoing investments at the properties will lead to improved profitability in the future.
Trump’s broader business strategy aims to balance golf operations with real estate development. He is interested in undertaking significant residential projects in Scotland, but many of his proposed developments face opposition from local authorities on environmental and local impact grounds. The Open Championship has not been hosted at Turnberry since 2009, a decision attributed to logistical issues rather than political factors, although Eric Trump asserts the infrastructure is capable of supporting major golf events.
Amid these challenges, Trump’s visit also introduced diplomatic implications, as hosting Starmer at Trump Turnberry departed from the expected norm of receiving U.S. presidents at diplomatic residences. Michael Cohen, a former executive at the Trump Organization, indicated this strategy may provide Trump with a “home court advantage” in his business dealings.
Financial oversight for the properties has shifted, as they are now audited by BDO’s Ireland branch after a switch from Johnston Carmichael due to consolidation. As future decisions regarding venues for the Open Championship are considered—expected to be finalized by 2028—Trump’s golf properties will remain a topic of discussion both in economic and political circles in Scotland.
Despite the ongoing controversies and challenges faced by Trump’s golf ventures, the Trump family maintains a strong belief in their potential to contribute positively to Scotland’s economy. As investments continue and conversations with local government officials progress, the success and future of these golf resorts are poised to unfold amidst a complex backdrop of financial struggle and political dialogue.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eric Trump Inaugurates New Golf Course in Scotland
New Upscale RV Resort Opens in Mount Vernon
Concerns Rise Over Compensation for Golf Resort Development in Vietnam
Trump Claims Golf Championship Amid Cheating Allegations
New York City Faces Dramatic Decline in Tourism
Trump’s Visit to Scotland Highlights Whisky Tariffs and Gaza Crisis
Trump Completes Diplomatic Golf Visit to Scotland
Donald Trump Visits Scotland Amid Protests
Trump Inaugurates New Golf Course in Scotland
Trump Opens New Golf Course in Scotland
Additional Resources
- Fortune
- Wikipedia: Trump Turnberry
- ESPN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Fox News
- Google Search: Trump Turnberry
- The Times
- Google News: Trump golf Scotland
- BBC Sport
- Google Scholar: Trump Scotland golf finances
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
