Trump flies in for Links grand opening

Owner to join Monty in hitting first tee shot at Trump International Golf Links

Long awaited Links: Trump International Golf Links Scotland will be officially unveiled on July 10

The eagerly anticipated and fiercely debated Trump International Golf Links finally opens tomorrow, with an official opening to be attended by dignitaries and Donald Trump himself.

Two of Scotland’s leading professional golfers, Colin Montgomerie and 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie, will be among the first to tee up on the long awaited links, while former James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery has been given the honour of becoming the club’s first member.

Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and victorious Ryder Cup captain Monty is set to join the resort’s owner in striking the official first tee shot.

The grand opening will mark the completion of the first phase of Trump’s £750 million project and the culmination of seven years of planning and development.

To date, over £100 million has been spent on the championship golf course that winds through the stunning sand dunes of the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, as well as related services, maintenance and infrastructure, and the restoration of the historic estate properties.

From consultant engineers and architects to agronomists, environmental scientists and countless other disciplines, more than 500 people have been employed to deliver the first phase of the project.

Throughout construction Sol Golf ltd had over 60 personnel on site, and drew in over 300 support staff including numerous local subcontractors to complete the championship course.

As well as the championship golf course, facilities include a 22-acre driving range, a 10,000 square metre short-game area and a 3,000 square metre putting green.

The golf house includes a bistro style restaurant offering breakfast, an all day menu, and is open to all. A wide range of Trump International Golf Links, Scotland products and merchandise are also available for purchase in the golf house shop.

Over 160 full and part-time staff and contractors are employed in positions from management and administration to golf course operations, retail, food and beverage, maintenance, gardening, green keeping and caddying.

Prior to opening to the general public, there will be a week of private events kicking off with the official opening day celebrations on July 10. Family, friends, business associates and a number of professional golfers, including Montgomerie and Lawrie, will enjoy an intimate day of golf, activities, and tours of the course and facilities. Food will be served all day and goody bags will be provided promoting the best of local, Scottish produce including Walkers shortbread and GlenDronach single malt whisky.

The course officially opens to the general public on Sunday, July 15 and is open for play from 7.30am daily until October 31. From November onwards, a programme of events and activities are scheduled for the winter months, and access to the golf course will continue with prior booking.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered