Donald Trump unveils new photos, opening date for second course at his Scottish resort

[Photo: Jacob Sjöman]

The sand dunes in which the first course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen, Scotland are as dramatic as there are in golf. And on our recently released World’s 100 Greatest Courses ranking, the course was the biggest mover out of any other course in our top 100. Now there will be a second course at the resort.

Trump Golf announced that its second course is planned to open next summer. It joins the first course, which opened amid some staunch environmental criticisms from locals. Martin Hawtree, who oversaw the design of the first course as well, helped the Trumps with their second course. Hawtree has overseen some of the most important work in Europe over the past few decades, including the work at Trump Turnberry, renovations at the Old Course at St. Andrews and other prominent courses like Sunningdale, Royal Birkdale and others.

The Trumps released some photos of the new course at Trump International Golf Links at Aberdeen, which the organisation says utilises even more large scale dunes as the first course. The organization also cites work with environmental scientists and engineers to ensure the second course respects the land to avoid backlash like the first course.

The biggest mover in this year’s ranking, this Martin Hawtree design is set in sand dunes that are as dramatic as there is in golf, better than those at No. 19 Royal Birkdale and No. 20 Royal St. George’s. Some dunes reach 100 feet above fairways. All are covered in deep marram grasses. Fairways pitch and tumble, often posing downhill lies to uphill targets. Every bunker is at least knee deep, encircled with stacked-sod faces. Greens are perched and edged by deep hollows. It’s a setting as grand as it gets, though some critics label it the most “American” of any links in the ranking for the elevated tees and “framing” of the greens and fairways. Explore our full review

Here are the photos, captured by stellar golf course photographer Jacob Sjöman:

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman

Jacob Sjöman