Simply put, Trump International Golf Links is the best golf course I have ever played. While controversy has surrounded the whole development from day 1, no-one can dispute that Donald Trump, and Martin Hawtree have created a masterpiece.
Situated 10 miles north of Aberdeen, the course has been sculpted perfectly, weaving through the dunes, and looks as though it has been there for hundreds of years. The views over the North Sea and back towards the Granite City are phenomenal - take a trip to the black tee on 18 and appreciate what you see in front of you.
There are no weak holes on the course - every hole demands ultimate concentration and tests every aspect of your game. It is the ultimate exam for a golfer, irrespective of which one of the 6 tees you decide to play from. The 4th, stroke index 1, is a great par 5, features a burn running the length of the hole, and numerous bunkers on the elevation to the green - walk off with a par, and you will have earned it. 6 is a cracking par 3, inset into the dunes while 10 is a testing par 5, which features a dune surrounding the green which has to be seen to be believed. My favourite hole was 14 - 376 off the blue tees (the 4th set of tees, and more than a sufficent test for anyone), and a blind tee shot played downhill between dunes on either side of the fairway.
It is clear that Donald Trump wants to attract the Open and the Ryder Cup to his new creation - and that will happen. It has the natural ampitheatres that create the atmosphere these tournaments bring - McIlroy against Woods on a Ryder Cup Sunday, going down the 651 yard 18th would set everyones pulses racing.
With it only having been open for 6 weeks, it is still immature and needs time to bed in - once it does, there will be no stopping it going from strength to strength. Yes it is expensive - but my advice is pay the green fee, and appreciate a stunning golf course. It will be at the top of your list of favourites too. Oh, and take plenty of balls!