Trump International Golf Links Scotland is a dramatic championship golf destination on the Aberdeenshire coast, around 16 kilometres north of Aberdeen. The original Old Course moves through enormous sand dunes overlooking Balmedie Beach and the North Sea, with rolling fairways, deep bunkers, burns and thick marram grass creating a powerful modern links experience.

Designed by Dr Martin Hawtree, the Old Course opened in 2012 and follows a traditional arrangement of two out-and-back loops. Its 18 holes rise onto elevated viewpoints before dropping into sheltered valleys between the dunes, producing a constantly changing mixture of open coastal scenery and enclosed golf corridors.

The par-72 course measures approximately 7,428 yards from its longest tees. Several shorter teeing options allow golfers to select a more suitable distance, which is important on a course where wind, elevation changes and difficult hazards can make the scorecard length feel even greater.

Accuracy and sensible course management are essential. Some fairways appear generous from elevated tees, but steep dune slopes and heavy rough can leave difficult recovery shots after an inaccurate drive. Burns cross or follow several holes, while deep revetted and natural-style bunkers protect the strongest driving lines and approach angles. In firm conditions, golfers can use the contours to feed shots towards the greens, although judging the bounce becomes much harder when the coastal wind strengthens.

The par-three third is one of the most memorable holes on the course. Much of the putting surface is hidden behind a high dune ridge, with the beach and North Sea sitting just beyond the green. A bunker protects the right side, while short-grass run-offs can carry an inaccurate shot away to the left. The safest target is often the centre of the green rather than an ambitious attack on the flag.

Another highlight is the par-four 14th, where an elevated tee reveals a sweeping fairway winding through the dunes. The height provides a spectacular view but also exposes the ball to the wind, making club selection and shot shape particularly important. The changing direction of the two loops means golfers will normally face a mixture of helping, crossing and headwinds during the round.

Trump International Scotland became a 36-hole golf destination when its New Course officially opened in July 2025. The second layout also follows the North Sea coastline and features large natural sandy areas, ancient burns, heather-covered wetlands and elevated greens close to the coastal dune ridge. Visitors can book either course separately or include both in a longer stay-and-play golf holiday.

Practice facilities are among the strongest in North-East Scotland. They include a driving range, dedicated short-game areas and a 3,500-square-metre putting green maintained to reflect the speed and quality of the championship courses. PGA coaching is available, while caddies can be booked to provide local advice on targets, wind and the course’s many hidden contours.

The clubhouse is home to The Dunes Restaurant & Bar, which offers relaxed dining with views across the links and towards the North Sea. Golfers can also stay on the estate at the five-star MacLeod House & Lodge, allowing them to combine both courses with luxury accommodation, dining and wellness treatments without needing daily transfers.

At Hashtag Golf Travel, we recommend Trump International Golf Links Scotland for golfers who enjoy big scenery and a serious links challenge. The Old Course feels exciting from the first tee, but it is the variety of elevated drives, secluded dune valleys and exposed seaside holes that makes the round so memorable. Choosing an appropriate tee and booking a caddie will help visiting golfers get far more enjoyment from the experience.