Trump plans £5m clubhouse for Scottish golf course

DONALD Trump has tabled new plans for a multimillion-pound clubhouse at his north-east golf course as he ramps up his bid to host a major tournament.
Trump International golf links course opened in 2012. Picture: Phil WilkinsonTrump International golf links course opened in 2012. Picture: Phil Wilkinson
Trump International golf links course opened in 2012. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

The tycoon plans to replace the current temporary structure with a £5 million granite masterpiece overlooking his championship links at the Menie Estate.

The American businessman had vowed to put all further development at the site on hold over a proposed windfarm in Aberdeen Bay.

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He has said it would be “disrespectful” not to give the course the building it deserves.

A landmark clubhouse could be the final piece of the jigsaw he needs to lure the Scottish Open or the Open Championship to Aberdeenshire.

Mr Trump said: “The course has turned out to be a phenomenal success and has received some of the greatest reviews ever given to a golf course,

“I felt it was only fair to this great course that I build a beautiful new clubhouse.

“It would be disrespectful not to have done so.

“When completed, our clubhouse at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland will be a true classic.”

Neighbouring Royal Aberdeen recently hosted the Scottish Open, which raked in £5 million for the local economy.

A total of 65,833 spectators flocked to the tournament, which was won by Justin Rose.

The Scottish Open will move to Gullane in East Lothian next year then to Castle Stuart at Inverness, which attracted 65,528 spectators last year.

The venue for 2017 has yet to be decided.

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Sarah Malone, Mr Trump’s executive vice president in Scotland, said the Menie course was now ready to host any tournament.

She said: “The 18-hole course has been built to the highest championship standards and offers an exceptional test of golf in an unparalleled location,

“In addition to the 600 acre golf course, over 1,000 acres of land and roads network are available around the golf course to provide countless options for siting hospitality, entertainment and media facilities.

“There is also limitless space for car and coach parking across the site.

“Trump International Golf Links, Scotland is capable of hosting any tournament.”

The new clubhouse has been inspired by MacLeod House, the listed mansion which lies at the heart of the Menie Estate.

Andy McNair, director of architects Covell Matthews, said the new building would complement the historic site.

He said: “MacLeod House, a B-listed property, is the architectural centrepiece,

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“The proposed clubhouse draws precedent from the style, details and materials to create a building that is in keeping with the aesthetic of Menie Estate.”

Mr Trump remains incandescent with rage over the Scottish Government’s decision to back the 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

He believes the £230 million project will destroy the views from his championship course.

Ms Malone confirmed that despite the clubhouse going ahead, Mr Trump was standing by his vow not to build a hotel and second course until the turbine plan is dropped.

She added: “The success of the championship course has exceeded all expectations and continues to attract glowing reviews and ratings from across the globe.

“Mr Trump has stated that he remains fully committed to protecting his investment to date and part of that is to build a clubhouse commensurate with the status of our golf course which is now regarded as one of the greatest golf properties in the world.

“All future phases of the resort remain on hold until the EOWDC is defeated once and for all.”

The Trump Organisation was granted planning permission for a much larger clubhouse - designed to cater for two courses - in 2012, and decided to build a temporary clubhouse to serve the championship course until the second course was built.

With that second course now in doubt, the new clubhouse will be a permanent replacement for the temporary building, which planning conditions stipulate must be removed by June next year.