Milestone as work nears completion on championship links' signature hole

Contractors have been busy shaping and turfing all 18 tees at Menie Estate over the past ten months.

And work on the 14th hole - tipped to offer the most daunting tee shot in the world - was completed yesterday.

Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International Scotland, said the green had now been laid on the 14th and the fairway would be hydro-seeded over the next few days.

Golf course architect Martin Hawtree said the team were extremely excited to see the all the developments progressing.

He said: "The golf course is developing extremely well and is far exceeding our original expectations.

"We are very much on programme. It's an exciting time - things are really beginning to happen and the finished product is emerging on a daily basis.

"The 14th hole has, in the past, been regarded as the likely signature hole; however, many other holes are now entering the lists for that honour. The 15th will be next hole we finish."

The team said Mr Trump had been kept very well informed of developments on the course, receiving daily reports. Work will now begin on the practice facilities, including driving range, short game area and putting green.

The driving range will be built with links-style target greens, and an elaborate short game area will facilitate practise of all types of shot required on the course. Mr Trump also wants to build 500 houses, 950 holiday homes, a hotel and clubhouse on the estate.