Trump wraps up Scotland visit by opening new golf course

Tuesday 29 July 2025 - 17:00

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile visit to Scotland by inaugurating a new 18-hole golf course at the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. The event, accompanied by traditional bagpipe music, marked the final day of a four-day stay marked by both diplomatic engagements and personal business affairs.

Trump, a known golf enthusiast, personally cut the ribbon in the presence of his sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, who oversee the family-owned Trump Organization. In his typical fashion, Trump celebrated with a dance to the Village People’s classic hit “YMCA,” declaring, “This is going to be great. I’m looking forward to playing a quick round today before heading back to Washington to put out fires around the world.”

Speaking to guests including Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Trump emphasized his maternal roots in Scotland and praised the course’s dramatic coastal landscape. According to Eric Trump, the aim was to create “the most incredible 36-hole experience on Earth.”

The new course features what’s claimed to be the world’s largest natural bunker, extensive dunes, and oceanfront greens. Promotional materials highlight its environmentally conscious design, though its 2019 approval drew criticism from local residents and environmental groups.

During his stay, Trump also held meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry resort. He announced a controversial EU-U.S. trade deal involving 15% tariffs and issued an ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt aggression in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days.