The Great Dunes of Scotland on the coast of Aberdeenshire were the natural canvas for painting Trump International Golf Links. These dunes are the largest in the world (Trumpian style) and deliver a dramatic golf scene.
The first two holes have valley fairways flowing between the towering dunes. Roaring waves are like a drum roll on the next short par 3 announcing a fabulous encounter with the North Sea next to its green.
The starter informs where to advance to the back tees for the highest sea viewpoints. Watch your step on steep slopes when seeking the perfect photo op.
Our day was wet and soggy, but we happily slogged through a memorable round. Controversial windmills were planted in the sea, seen by many as unsightly. If golfers channel Quixote when they see them, they may slay the course which is a difficult task. It could be called the Monster, but that name was already taken at Trump Doral in Miami, the Blue Monster that is. Trump International is very green with wheat-colored dunes and red splashes in the Marram grass areas and yes, deep blue in the sea.
Approach shots to most greens require great accuracy due to narrowness or undulations, bunkering or dunes or burns or all the above. Six sets of tees range from 5215 yards to 7452 yards, so choose wisely.
This course is host to the 2024 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship. Another 18-hole course is under development with big boys busy on their real life tonka toys moving earth to make way for more majestic links.
Accommodations at Trump International are named after Donald Trump’s Scottish mother, Mary MacLeod. They are extravagant and priced accordingly. Backpackers might hike the coast and find camps. For us, the Cock and Bull fit the bill, five minutes from Trump International. Rooms are almost rustic but very clean and adequately equipped for comfortable rest. What we didn’t know when we booked is how popular their restaurant is. Luckily room guests get priority reservations as they fill up quickly and rightly so. From the fish and chips to the Sunday Roast, the cuisine is excellent, and well presented.
In an 18-day, 11 round expedition of Scotland, a day off from golf was a pleasant reprieve. A coastal drive, on the left side of course, took us through the city of Aberdeen for more Scottish architectural thrills, like the University from 1495.
Long walks are a way of life and leisure in Scotland, especially on the beach. Newburgh is famous for the seal colony on an outstretched peninsula across from the mainland for protection. Hundreds of the pinnipeds were lying upon one another in a huddled mass for warmth in the sun, singing an eerie murmuring song. The sea dogs separate for solitary acrobatic swims while people play fetch with their land dogs in the sand. Kids were sledding down the high dunes with giggles. This is a favorite spot for picnics and recharging.
A few minutes up the coast is Cruden Bay, another great course above a beach where North Sea swimmers were taking their cold plunges. More sights to behold include The Slains Castle that inspired Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Dunnottar and the late Queen’s Balmoral are among several more Castles to cross off the touring list.
Here and there, famous shaggy red headed, long horned cows pose willingly for star pics. There are far too many choices for spending a day in Aberdeenshire. You can “get it sorted” as the Scottish say, along the way. As we always say, don’t just take a trip, let the trip take you for surprising memories. This comprehensive website includes Trump International Golf Links and a flip book of many area options for a premier Scottish vacation. https://www.trumpgolfscotland.com/