Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire has secured three prestigious accolades at the 2025 World Golf Awards, with its recently opened New Course receiving the top honour of World’s Best Golf Course.
The resort’s newest championship layout, which opened earlier this year along Scotland’s north-east coast, was recognised on 13 November at the 12th annual World Golf Awards ceremony held in Funchal, Madeira. Alongside being named World’s Best Golf Course 2025, the venue also claimed the titles of Europe’s Best New Golf Course 2025 and World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality.
The awards, which are determined by votes from golf industry professionals, media representatives and the public, represent a significant milestone for the property in what has been described as an “incredible year” for Trump International Scotland. The course competes with venues globally through a voting system where verified industry professionals’ votes carry double the weight of standard votes.
The New Course – which had been anticipated to bear the MacLeod name after Trump’s Lewis-born mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, but was ultimately christened simply as the New Course to mirror St Andrews’ naming convention – represents the culmination of nearly two decades of development on the Menie Estate.
Strategic investment amid financial challenges
The recognition arrives as Trump International Scotland navigates a complex financial landscape. The Aberdeen property recorded its 13th consecutive annual loss in 2024, reporting a deficit of £937,693, though this represented an improvement from the £1.43 million loss recorded the previous year. Revenue climbed 22 per cent to £4.5 million, attributed to increased visitor numbers and international attention from hosting professional tournaments.
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, expressed confidence in the long-term outlook. “We are incredibly proud and truly honored to be awarded three top World Golf Awards and to be named World’s Best Golf Course for our magnificent New Course in Aberdeenshire, Scotland,” he said. “From the outset, this property has been a labour of love. We have built the greatest 36 holes along the spectacular North Sea shoreline and are immensely grateful to World Golf Awards and all those who have supported us”.
The resort has benefited from major capital investments to expand its facilities, according to Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President of Trump International Scotland. “This level of recognition from World Golf Awards is wonderful and acknowledges the great investment, vision and hard work of everyone who has contributed to our journey,” Malone stated. “Our entire ethos is the unrelenting pursuit of excellence—to build, maintain and operate truly awe-inspiring golf courses that will be enjoyed by many generations of golfers to come. To be named the World’s Best is the ultimate honour”.
Environmental legacy remains contested
The property’s development history has been marked by significant environmental controversy. The original championship course, which gained planning approval from the Scottish Government in 2008, was constructed partially on the Foveran Links Site of Special Scientific Interest, which featured 4,000-year-old mobile sand dune systems.
In December 2020, the sand dunes at the site were stripped of their SSSI protected status after Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) determined the golf course had “partially destroyed” the natural features, resulting in permanent habitat loss. Environmental groups and local residents had opposed the development, arguing it would cause irreversible damage to the nationally important dune system.
The Trump Organisation has emphasised that the New Course represents a more environmentally conscious approach to links golf development. Esie O’Mahoney of principal contractor GolfLink Evolve stated: “Over my 30 years’ experience in the industry, this is by far the most environmentally friendly and sustainable golf project we have ever worked on. This course has been built with the upmost respect for the environment”.
Industry context
Golf tourism generates more than $400 million in economic value annually for Scotland, making events and recognition at venues like Trump International significant drivers of regional growth. The Nexo Championship alone was expected to contribute substantially to the local economy by attracting visitors and extending the tourism season in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Trump International Scotland now operates 36 holes of championship golf following the New Course’s opening, positioning the resort among an elite group of multi-course facilities in Scotland’s competitive golf tourism market. The property employs over 100 staff and features the luxury five-star MacLeod House & Lodge accommodation, the Dunes Restaurant & Bar, and what it describes as the largest practice facilities in the United Kingdom.
