BALMEDIE, Scotland (AP) — On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump inaugurated a new golf course that proudly bears his name, marking the culmination of a five-day international trip focused on promoting his family’s luxury properties and indulging in his passion for golf. The event took place in the picturesque village of Balmedie, located on Scotland’s stunning northern coast.
In an energetic display, Trump exclaimed, “Let’s go. 1-2-3,” before using an ornate golden pair of scissors to cut the ceremonial red ribbon. As fireworks illuminated the sky, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This has been an unbelievable development.” He took a moment to thank his son, Eric Trump, for his extensive efforts on the project, describing it as “truly a labor of love for him.” Eric was joined by his brother, Don Jr., at the opening ceremony.
Eric Trump characterized the new course as a “passion project” for their father. Following the ribbon-cutting, Trump, along with Eric and two professional golfers, promptly teed off on the first hole. Although the media is typically restricted from observing Trump’s golf games, video journalists and photographers often manage to capture him on the course at various locations. Trump had plans to play a full 18 holes before returning to Washington on Tuesday night.
This overseas trip provided Trump with a brief escape from the sweltering summer heat and humidity of Washington, even as questions surrounding the case of Jeffrey Epstein trailed him across the Atlantic. Nonetheless, the trip added to the growing list of instances where the Republican president has utilized the White House to bolster his personal brand.
The newly opened Trump International Golf Links in Scotland is billed as the “Greatest 36 Holes in Golf” and was designed by Eric Trump himself. The course is set to host a prestigious PGA Seniors Championship event later this week and will open its doors to the public on August 13. Signs promoting the upcoming championship were prominently displayed throughout the course, while temporary signage directed drivers to the correct access road.
As part of the security measures for Trump’s arrival, golfers participating in the early morning event were required to pass their clubs through metal detectors. This blend of golf and security highlights the ongoing significance of Trump's presence in the area.
The day’s events combined two of Trump’s passions: golf and Scotland. Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on the Isle of Lewis and eventually emigrated to New York, where she passed away in 2000 at the age of 88. Reflecting on his family’s ties to Scotland, Trump remarked during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at another of his golf properties, Turnberry, “My mother loved Scotland. It’s different when your mother was born here.”
Trump appeared to be in high spirits, even commending the gathered journalists, suggesting there was no “fake news” present on the course. “I didn’t use the word ‘fake news’ one time, not one time,” he noted.
In addition to golf, Trump incorporated some official business into his itinerary, engaging in talks with Starmer and establishing a trade framework for tariffs between the U.S. and the European Union’s 27 member countries. However, many crucial details remain unresolved. Despite the business discussions, the primary focus of the visit remained on golf, which is sure to enhance the visibility of the new course.
Trump’s assets are currently held in a trust, with his sons managing the family business during his presidency. Nevertheless, any revenue generated from the new golf course will ultimately benefit the president once he leaves office.
Visibility of the new course is also marked by the towering wind turbines of a nearby wind farm. Trump has a long-standing grievance regarding this wind farm, having unsuccessfully sued to prevent its construction back in 2013. The loss of that case continues to frustrate him, as he referred to windmills as “ugly monsters” during his meeting with Starmer, asserting they represent “the most expensive form of energy.”
Starmer, on the other hand, advocated for a balanced energy strategy in the U.K., which includes a mix of oil, gas, and renewable sources. The new golf course represents the third property owned by the Trump Organization in Scotland, following the purchase of Turnberry in 2014 and another course near Aberdeen that opened in 2012. Throughout the weekend, Trump played at Turnberry while protests took place nearby.
In a gesture of hospitality, Trump invited Starmer, who does not play golf, aboard Air Force One for a private tour of his Aberdeen properties before Tuesday’s ceremonial opening. Reflecting on the experience of golfing, Trump remarked, “Even if you play badly, it’s still good. If you had a bad day on the golf course, it’s OK. It’s better than other days.”
