Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen, Scotland (Image: Trump International Golf Links)
Joined by Scottish golf stars Colin Montgomerie and Martin Laird, American billionaire Donald Trump officially launched his controversial new Scottish course, Trump International Golf Links, in early July.
The $1.16-billion project, set on a prime stretch of linksland near Aberdeen on Scotland’s northeast coast, has been plagued by controversy. Construction was stalled for more than two years by locals who didn’t want such a large, North American-style development in their backyard. Environmentalists also protested that the project would damage the area’s rare 4,000-year-old sand dune system, a site of scientific interest and an important habitat for plants and animals.
Calling Trump’s development of “great economic and social benefit” to the country, the Scottish government finally pushed through approval for the plan in late 2008.
Weekend green fees at the 7,400-yard, par-72 links, which will remain open until Oct. 31, are $315 for visitors and $252 for locals. During the week the cost is $236 for visitors and $189 for residents.
Recently, Trump has engaged in a public row with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond over the government’s plans to build an offshore wind farm within sight of the course. Calling the wind farm project disastrous to Scottish tourism, Trump has put on hold plans to build a second golf course, a 450-bed, five-star hotel, 500 homes and 950 short-term rental apartments. Read more at Bloomberg.com.
