ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Before approval and construction, the course was the subject of years of environmental controversy and legal wrangling due to its siting within protected sand dunes.
About
Trump International Golf Links Scotland, designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree, is a challenging championship-caliber links nestled along the North Sea's dramatic dunes north of Aberdeen. Opened in 2012, it features vast elevation changes, panoramic coastal vistas, six tees per hole, and punishing rough, offering a 7,400-yard, par-72 layout acclaimed for both its scenic grandeur and demanding play.
Caddie Tip
The wind direction can dramatically shift club selection for every hole. Trust local yardages, avoid aiming towards the large dunes off the tee as they can mask trouble, and on holes like 14 or 18, favor precision and conservative targets over length to avoid the punishing rough and hazards. Prepare to use punch shots and keep the ball low in wind.
The Main Challenge
The greatest challenge is the relentless length combined with tight landing areas, punishing rough, unpredictable coastal wind, and large, fast greens contoured to reject poorly-judged approaches. The dunes create frequent blind tee shots and tricky recoveries, demanding strategic planning and shot execution throughout.
The Good
Golfers are captivated by the setting: massive dunes create a natural amphitheater around many holes, and the panoramic North Sea views, especially at sunrise or sunset, make every hole feel dramatic. The design by Hawtree carefully uses elevation changes and daring green sites to present a breathtaking and strategic round with ocean wind ever-present.
The Not So Good
Players often find the course too difficult for higher handicaps due to severe rough, penal bunkering, and relentless winds with few opportunities for recovery. Some wish for more forgiving landing areas or shorter rough to speed up play and improve enjoyment for average-level golfers.
Signature Hole:
#
14
The par-4 14th is a spectacular 445-yard hole featuring an elevated tee and a fairway winding through giant dunes, with the North Sea bordering the right. The raised green, set into natural amphitheater dunes and protected by a lone bunker to the right, demands both precision and nerve on approach, making it the most memorable challenge.
Clubhouse
Amenities include a granite clubhouse with restaurant and bar featuring Scottish fare, plush lounges, fireplaces, outdoor patio seating, locker rooms, a pro shop with exclusive merchandise, and grab & go lounge. The luxury MacLeod House provides five-star boutique lodging on site with full-service dining and a whisky snug.
Practice Facilities
The club boasts Scotland’s largest practice amenities, including a 22-acre range with both north and south facing tees, a sprawling short-game complex, and a 3,500 square meter putting green, all maintained to championship standards for serious game improvement.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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