News Summary
President Donald Trump inaugurated the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Scotland, marking a significant addition to his family’s luxury golf properties. The grand opening featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and a celebratory fireworks display. Trump expressed gratitude towards his son Eric for his role in developing the course, set to welcome the public shortly. The new facility, designed to host prestigious events, highlights Trump’s ongoing commitment to the golf industry amidst various controversies tied to his presidency.
BALMEDIE, Scotland – President Donald Trump opened a new golf course under his name in Balmedie, Scotland, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The inauguration of the facility was part of a five-day overseas trip primarily aimed at promoting his family’s luxury golf properties while also engaging in trade negotiations with UK officials.
During the grand opening, Trump officially cut a red ribbon to mark the completion of the course, with fireworks lighting up the sky in celebration. He described the entire development as “unbelievable” and expressed special gratitude toward his son, Eric Trump, for his integral role in what was referred to as a “labor of love.” Donald Trump Jr. also attended the ceremony.
After the official ribbon-cutting event, Trump, along with his sons and two professional golfers, played the inaugural round of golf on their newly opened course, which is expected to welcome the public on August 13, 2025. The Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, is marketed under the tagline “Greatest 36 Holes in Golf” and has been designed specifically by Eric Trump. Notably, the course is set to host a prestigious PGA Seniors Championship later that week.
Prior to Trump’s arrival, extensive preparations were made on the course, including the installation of promotional signs for the championship and heightened security measures featuring metal detectors for all golfers. The opening event drew several dozen attendees, including avid golf fans and local enthusiasts.
Amidst the festivities, Trump reflected on his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, emphasizing her deep affection for Scotland, which added a personal touch to the occasion. Following the ceremony, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade agreements and potential tariff frameworks between the United States and the European Union.
This trip to Scotland for Trump provided a brief reprieve from the ongoing controversies he faces in Washington, D.C. These include the high-profile Jeffrey Epstein case, which has generated significant media attention. While Trump remains in office, his sons manage the family business, and profits from the golf course ultimately benefit him.
The Trump International Golf Links is the organization’s third golf course in Scotland, joining Turnberry, acquired in 2014, and another property near Aberdeen that opened in 2012. The new course features remarkable natural landscapes, including the world’s largest natural bunker and scenic views of the sea.
Over the years, Trump has expressed staunch opposition to the construction of nearby wind turbines, which he has called “ugly monsters,” suggesting that he has ongoing concerns about the aesthetics and environmental impact of the renewable energy installations near his properties.
While in Scotland, Trump also played multiple rounds of golf at Turnberry, despite facing protests regarding his visit. He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Starmer for a private tour of his golf courses, despite the Prime Minister’s known lack of interest in the sport. During the tour, Trump praised renovations made to a ballroom at Turnberry, humorously suggesting he might replicate its design in the White House.
Trump emphasized that he is making valuable deals while balancing his interests in golf, indicating a blend of business promotion and governance during his overseas trip. However, his meetings in Scotland have sparked discussions surrounding potential conflicts of interest. The overall cost of the visit is projected to be in the millions for U.S. taxpayers, echoing previous instances where the government has expended substantial amounts at Trump-owned golf properties.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- The Hill
- Google Search: Trump golf course Scotland
- Time
- Google Scholar: Donald Trump golf
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donald Trump
- Axios
- Google News: Trump golf Scotland
- The Daily Beast
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