Trump International Scotland has announced that a new championship course designed to complement the existing links will open next summer.
Designed and constructed to the highest specifications and standards, the new course weaves together three distinct topographical areas to form a modern links that features the largest sand dunes in Scotland, heather-clad heathlands and expansive wetland areas.
Virtually all materials used in the creation of the new course, other than drainage and irrigation pipework, have been sourced on site. No bulk materials were imported and a colossal screening operation provided the sand, stone and soil for the entire course to reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of the construction works.
Specialising in the construction of new links courses and the modification of existing world-renowned courses across the UK and Europe, Golflink Evolve was appointed principal contractor for this project.
Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President of Trump International, Scotland, said: “Since breaking ground with President Trump and Eric Trump last spring, we have made extraordinary progress. This course is unlike any other links course ever built and is exceeding every expectation. There are very few great stretches of developable links land in the world as good as this.
“A truly remarkable, world-class team of architects, engineers, environmental scientists and industry specialists have been working tirelessly in the background – etching out every square inch of this phenomenal piece of land to create one of the great wonders in the world of golf.”
Protecting and enhancing the land’s natural features lies at the heart of the design and construction methodology. The course has been designed and built with the upmost respect for the unique environmental features of the site and its long-term maintenance and sustainability.
Utilising wetlands, ponds and water harvested from across the site, an innovative environmentally-friendly freshwater and drainage system has been engineered to provide long-term sustainable irrigation for all 36-holes.
More than 1 million sprigs of native marram grass have been planted and 6 tons of marram seeds harvested across the new course. Over 10 hectares of natural vegetation has been successfully translocated allowing indigenous plant habitats to thrive and expand, with many new wildlife habitats emerging within the new wetlands and dune-slack areas.
Clare Barber, Principal Director, Fairhurst – Project Engineers, said: “Given the outstanding ecological and geomorphological setting of the site, our priority has been to provide engineering solutions which do not just meet the minimum standards, but enhance the natural landscape, with a particular focus on the water environment and biodiversity. Working with academic experts in the field, we have achieved engineering and course morphology designs which not only respect but complement the existing landform, taking account of ongoing natural processes.
“Bringing our experience gained from the construction of the existing course and working closely with the client and project team, we have provided sustainable and robust engineering solutions to overcome the challenges faced with working in such an important environment. We are delighted with what has been achieved and the end result has exceeded all expectations.”
Principal golf contractor Esie O’Mahoney, Golflink Evolve, said: “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. We have harvested and sourced almost all of the materials from the land itself and developed an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable water system that supports both championship courses for the future. The client’s creative approach and standard of excellence has enabled us to bring the best of our industry experience to this project. This is a very special project and one of the great highlights in my career.”
Legends Tour player and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who visited the course earlier this year, said: “I had the pleasure of viewing the new site at Trump during construction whilst playing the Staysure PGA Championship at Trump International in the summer. I have no doubt that the addition of this new golf course will provide not just a great golfing exam but also an aesthetic one with views of the North Sea from most holes. It is great to see such huge investment in the North East of Scotland to add to what already is an historic golfing destination.”