| Donald Trump's proposed golf resort in Aberdeenshire will be set on striking links terrain. (Brandon Tucker/WorldGolf.com) |
Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort finally gets green light
By After over two years of legal battling with local and national officials in Scotland, Donald Trump's golf resort just north of Aberdeen on the historic Menie Estate has finally received the green light.
When completed, the addition of these 36 links land holes, plus hotel and vacation homes, will surely make the northeast coast one of the U.K.'s most coveted golf destinations.
Trump said of the announcement:
"As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world. [It will be a] tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland."
In typical Trump fashion, the proposed resort will be the biggest in Europe. Along with the two links golf courses, it will feature a five-star hotel and spa on site, and more than 950 time-share vacation villas and 950 holiday homes, estimated to sell at over $1 million each.
Project costs are estimated at about £1 billion, a hefty sum, especially given the world's real estate collapse in the past year, but Trump remains confident.
The surrounding historic golf clubs have been eager to welcome Trump's development for some time, as the two links will surely create one of Scotland's most coveted golf tours.
Scotland's northeast coast is already a popular golf tour, thanks to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, the world's sixth oldest golf club. Next door is Murcar Golf Links, while just up the road is Cruden Bay Golf Club, considered among the most awe-inspiring links courses in the world.
The area is also home to some lesser-known local clubs like Newburgh Golf Club and Fraserburgh Golf Club, both of which stand to possibly benefit from Trump's development.
Tours to the northeast coast often combine the Highlands region to the north, including Royal Dornoch and Nairn Golf Club near Inverness. Or they make the drive south along the coast to St. Andrews, Carnoustie and the Kingdom of Fife.
Dr. Martin Hawtree, an Englishman, has been tapped to build the two links courses. They'll be on very rugged and, in some spots, bare dunesland, even more so than Royal Aberdeen nearby. The firm has experience in links projects, including the recent restoration of the Old Course at Lahinch in Ireland. They also renovated Carnoustie in 2006 prior to the 2007 Open Championship.
The resort has also announced that none other than Scotland's Sean Connery will hit the ceremonial first tee shot, and also be given the member number "007" for his work in the James Bond films.
November 21, 2008
Scotland Beyond St. Andrews: The Highlands boast rugged and stunningly beautiful golf courses
Golfers the world over know St. Andrews is where the game began, but golfing in Scotland does not end with St. Andrews. Clive Agran continues his series of "Scotland Beyond St. Andrews" with a look at some of the best golf courses in the Scottish Highlands, including Castle Stuart Golf Links and Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
... full article »- Scotland Beyond St. Andrews: In the Southwest, the links are almost close enough to form a chain
- Golf in Fife: Where the game began and thrives today
