Trump International in 2017

Five years after opening, if you’ve not yet been to this modern masterpiece, you need to make it happen

1 The breathtaking setting

The site for Trump International was chosen for its spectacular nature. It’s plotted right on the coast – so offers views of the North Sea, the city of Aberdeen beyond and especially unspoilt, wild beach stretches for miles to both the north and south. It also boasts the biggest dunes in Scotland. You just don’t get sand hills this size anywhere else in the country – trips to the likes of Birkdale, Hillside, Rosapenna and Ballybunion are needed to find similarly awesome dunes. So even if you’re not looking out to sea – which happens a lot – you are carving through enormous marram-covered ridges. You’ll find your own favourite spot – the 3rd green and the 14th tee might well feature – and the vistas continue right to the end, with the 18th tee’s huge elevation giving an awesome view of the impending 18 bunkers and infamously tall saltire flag. Expect to be exhilarated here, from start to finish.

2 Turn your visit into a trip

Trump International is now the highlight of Aberdeenshire, but there are lots of other attractions too. Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay join it in any credible GB&I Top 100 ranking while four more links – Murcar, Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Newburgh – are in Golf World magazine’s Scottish Top 100. Inland venues Newmachar, Meldrum House and Duff House Royal are in that Top 100 too – giving a potential 10-course trip of the highest calibre. Oh, and St Andrews is less than two hours to the south, with Carnoustie in between…

3 Easier access than you think

Aberdeen is clearly a long way north, but it is really, really easy to get to, with lots of flights to Aberdeen airport from all over the United Kingdom. The airport is on the ‘right’ side of town for Trump International and indeed all the top links too, so within 25 minutes of walking out the terminal, you will be pulling down the long drive that takes you to one of Britain’s modern superstars.

4 Enjoy the city lights

Trump International’s proximity to the city of Aberdeen also means you have a terrific array of non-golf attractions – from a huge selection of accommodation options (in addition to the spectacular five-star Macleod House & Lodge on site at Trump International) to what you fancy to eat and where to go out at night. It’s a famous university city, so be assured it does not lack for pubs, bars and clubs.

5 The Scottish tipple

After 36 holes of exhilarating links golf, you’ll be ready for refreshment. For those who enjoy a post-round tipple, Trump International houses over 50 varieties of Scotland’s most famous export Uisge Beatha (whisky - the water of life) – as well as locally-produced beers, gin and rum. Accompany your 19th hole pint with personal clubhouse favourites – homemade haggis bon bons and fish and chips straight from the North Sea.

6 Savour the tranquillity

Despite the city being less than half an hour away, playing at Trump International is an utterly serene experience. There are no roads cutting through the site and no residential development round the outside. This is pure links golf to be enjoyed without compromise – and the spaced-out tee times mean you have the time to fully savour this truly world-class seaside course.

7 Spot an array of wildlife

If you need any proof of the tranquility there, perhaps the fact even the most timid and rarest wildlife can be spied from the fairways will convince you. Deer, dolphins, seals and even humpback whales enjoy this natural utopia as much as visiting golfers.

8 An appeal to all levels

A great course was just waiting to be carved out of Trump International’s fabulous setting – but it still required nous to get the best from it. Dr Martin Hawtree did just that, using the astonishingly good site to deliver a clever course that asks for creative shot-making that can be enjoyed by all – whether you want the excitement of opening your shoulders and going for it, or carefully plotting your way round.

9 A challenge to relish

That brings us to the sometime suggestion Trump International is too tough. It’s true it is no pushover – and Tour pros have gone there and lost plenty of balls – but that’s off the back tees. Trump International know it is an exacting test and will politely encourage you to make a sensible selection from the six tee options – and if you’re honest about your ability, meaning you don’t always have to hit driver between the towering dunes, you will have the round of your life.

10 It’s affordable!

OK, if you stay in Macleod House and play Trump International, it is not cheap. But it is not as expensive as you might fear (see box below) – and when you add in a cheap flight and a second or third round under £50 at one of the high-calibre links previously mentioned, it is actually very, very competitive. And if it’s £30 more than you wanted to spend really, we can’t think of a better way to treat yourself. Trust us, this is a golf experience you’ll be reminiscing about with your friends forever…