Inside Donald Trump’s $500m golf empire – another Scottish links course is next

Donald Trump’s golf empire spans some of the most scenic and prestigious landscapes and regions in the world and has cost him over $500 million in investment.

His portfolio ranges from windswept links courses in Britain to sunbaked green fairways in the United States of America, with the American President having an emphasis on luxury and world-leading facilities.

He’s worked alongside several world-class golf course designers and has some of the best golf courses in the world under his brand.

Trump is expected to visit Scotland to open a new 18-hole course at his Menie estate, named after his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump.

The trip, separate from his later UK state visit, has already involved a major police operation with up to 5000 officers on duty upon his arrival.

Let’s take a look at Donald Trump’s incredible worldwide golf-course portfolio…

1. Trump International Golf Links Scotland

  • Established: 2012
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Dr Martin Hawtree

Opened in 2012 in Aberdeenshire, it was built from scratch by Dr Martin Hawtree, with Donald Trump labelling it the “greatest golf course in the world” upon its unveiling.

The opening of the course involved a long legal battle over environmental issues and local opposition, but has since become a key part of Trump’s ambition to expand internationally into golf.

2. Trump Turnberry

  • Established: 1906, Trump purchased in 2014
  • Courses: Three
  • Course designer: Willie Fernie, Mackenzie Ross and Martin Ebert

Turnberry is the most prestigious course in Trump’s portfolio, located on Scotland’s idyllic Ayrshire coast and hosting four Open Championships to date. He poured millions into restoring the iconic Ailsa Course, modernising it while maintaining its historic features.

The resort boasts luxury accommodation and has been rebranded under Trump’s name over the past decade.

3. Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland

  • Established: 2002, Trump purchased in 2014
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Greg Norman

Trump made the Irish resort his own in 2o14, purchasing the beautiful course in Doonbeg that was designed by Greg Norman in 2002, with Trump rebranding and refurbishing the venue.

Primed on the Atlantic coast of Ireland, the links-style golf resort is now a five-star destination.

4. Trump National Doral Miami

  • Established: 1962, Trump purchased in 2012
  • Courses: Four
  • Course designer: Dick Wilson, Raymond Floyd

Trump bought the Miami Golf Club out of administration, with it reported to have cost him $150 million in 2012. He instantly renovated the whole resort, the Blue Monster course in particular, which once hosted PGA Tour events.

It’s a flagship and statement from the Trump brand with its sheer mass, four courses, incredible villas and a colossal clubhouse.

5. Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach

  • Established: 1999
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Jim Fazio

The West Palm Beach venue opened in 1999 and was the first fully Trump-branded golf course of its kind, designed by Jim Fazio.

It was the pioneer for Trump’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of golf and set the standard for his luxury, high-end end and private golfing experiences.

6. Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter

  • Established: 2002, Trump purchased in 2012
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Jack Nicklaus

The Florida course was the first course Trump had bought that was designed by 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus, as he bought it off Ritz Ritz-Carlton in 2012.

Its classy clubhouse is built with a Mediterranean vibe, with high-profile members travelling far and wide for its exclusivity.

7. Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster

  • Established: 2004
  • Courses: Two
  • Course designer: Tom Fazio

Bedminster is one of the courses that Trump holds dear – a stronghold for him personally and politically, often described as the ‘summer White House’.

It’s designed by Tom Fazio, a designer who crafted a number of his venues, and has hosted a variety of Pro and Amateur Championships.

8. Trump National Golf Club, Colts Neck

  • Established: 2002
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Tom Fazio

The Private New Jersey club has a slightly different vibe with its atmosphere and facilities much more family orientated; a contrast to its club’s atypical exclusivity.

Trump has made numerous upgrades to the Fazio brothers’ designed facility, making it a respected venue in the USA.

9. Trump National Golf Club, Philadelphia

  • Established: 2004
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Tom Fazio

The East Coast venue is nestled in Pine Hill, Pennsylvania – a stunning hilltop course offering attractive views of Philadelphia’s landscape.

The course was again designed by Tom Fazio and is a fully private club with a recent signature Donald Trump renovation to facilities.

 10. Trump National Golf Club, Charlotte

  • Established: 2004
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Tom Fazio

Another stunner on Donald Trump’s portfolio, this course on Lake Norman in North Carolina is an eye-catching waterfront layout.

It has again been redesigned under Trump’s ownership, with his touch seeming to elevate its luxury appeal worldwide.

 11. Trump National Golf Club, Hudson Valley

  • Established: 2002
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Jim Fazio

Another East Coast staple, this New York course offers a private golfing experience in a picturesque setting in the Big Apple.

Trump enjoys stamping his unique preferences on each course and redesigning Hudson Valley with his luxury touches.

12. Trump National Golf Club, Westchester

  • Established: 1996, Trump purchased in 2014
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Pete Dye

The Westchester course holds a special place in Donald Trump’s heart, with it being situated near his hometown and a Pete Dye design – a truly legendary golf course designer who’s made multiple PGA Tour tracks.

Trump made big renovations to the clubhouse and golf facilities in 2014, in what is now one of the premier private clubs in the area.

13. Trump National Golf Club, Washington D.C.

  • Established: 1997
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Tom Fazio

Tactically placed on the Potomac River in Virginia, the club has two top-class championship courses designed by Trump’s trusted designer, Tom Fazio.

Not far from the White House, Trump often hosts charity events and political fundraisers here, it’s a retreat he offers up to his closest allies.

 14. Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles

  • Established: 2006
  • Courses: One
  • Course designer: Pete Dye

This golf course screams drama as it sits on steep cliffs in Rancho Palos Verdes, LA. A landslide damaged the site years ago, with Trump redeveloping the Pete Dye course and giving it a luxurious second life.

It’s also a public course, making it one of the most scenic and high-end public access courses in Trump’s impressive portfolio.

READ MORE: First look: Tom Doak’s spectacular new Highlands links golf course could rival Scottish Open

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