US President Donald Trump today opened his family's new golf course at a coastal resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He was accompanied by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
The new course, named MacLeod Course after Trump's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, who was born in Scotland, boasts the world's largest natural bunker, dunes, and greens overlooking the sea, with a "focus on environmental friendliness".
In his opening remarks, Trump said he would play a few rounds at the newly opened course before returning to Washington to "put out fires around the world".
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US President Donald Trump (white cap) speaks at the golf course opening ceremony in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire on 29/7. Photo: AFP |
US President Donald Trump (white cap) speaks at the golf course opening ceremony in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire on 29/7. Photo: AFP
"We've stopped about 5 wars. That's more important than playing golf," the president said.
He thanked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who visited the golf course yesterday, saying Starmer was "very polite". He also said the US "signed a very important deal" with the European Union (EU) and praised the previously reached trade agreement with the UK.
"This is going to be a special day, special year, and special decade. I love Scotland," Trump said, mentioning his mother. The president then cut the ribbon to officially open the golf course to enthusiastic applause.
Trump cuts the ribbon at the MacLeod Course opening. Video: STV News
Trump spoke in 2023 about his plans for the Aberdeenshire land. "At some point, maybe when I'm very old, I'll go there and do the greatest thing anyone has ever seen," he said.
At 79 and in his second term as president, Trump has made part of that statement a reality with the opening of the new course. The golf course is scheduled to open to the public on 13/8.
The president's family also owns another golf course in Aberdeen, Trump International. During his 5-day visit to Scotland, he also played golf at Trump Turnberry.
Upon landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on 25/7, Trump criticized the sight of "wind turbines everywhere, ruining beautiful fields and valleys, killing birds. The offshore turbines are ruining the ocean".
During meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 27/7 and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on 28/7, Trump continued to oppose wind energy.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, AP)
