Trump International Links Aberdeen: 2026 Access and Booking Update
Trump International Links is a dramatic Martin Hawtree dunes course north of Aberdeen, and from 2026 it is a 36 hole destination thanks to a brand new second course. Here is where it stands, what has changed this year, and how to play it.
The news: a new second course makes it 36 holes
The headline for 2026 is significant: Trump International is now a 36 hole resort. A second 18 hole layout, the MacLeod Course, opened in the summer of 2025 alongside the original championship links, which makes 2026 the first full season in which visitors can play both courses on a single trip. The new course was designed by Martin Hawtree with Christian Lundin and Christine Fraser, and it takes its name from the MacLeod family line.
That changes the calculus for travellers. What was a one round detour up the Aberdeenshire coast is now a genuine multi round stay, and the resort has made clear its ambition to grow into a venue capable of hosting larger events. For 2026, the practical message is that there is now a full day or more of golf here, not just a single marquee round.
The course itself
The original championship links was designed by Dr Martin Hawtree and opened in 2012. It plays as a par 72 of around 7,428 yards, routed through some of the largest moving dunes in Scotland, a wild and genuinely spectacular stretch of coast that gives the course a scale few links can match.
It is big, bold golf: vast dunes framing the fairways, exposed greens, and a constant North Sea wind that dictates the round. From the back tees it is a serious test, but multiple tee options keep it playable for visitors of most standards. The new MacLeod Course adds a second 18 over the same dramatic terrain, broadening the experience without softening the sense of place.
How to play it in 2026
On access, both courses are open to visitors and bookable directly or through golf travel partners, with on site accommodation at MacLeod House and Lodge making an overnight stay straightforward. The resort sits near Balmedie, a short drive north of Aberdeen, which has good flight and rail links, so it is reachable as a standalone trip or as the northern leg of a wider Scottish itinerary.
On cost, indicative 2026 green fees on the championship links run to around 435 pounds at peak summer, with off season rounds far lower, around 195 pounds in the depths of winter, and the new MacLeod Course priced separately. Treat these figures as indicative, they change by season, so always confirm the current rate, the combined twosome and stay and play options and availability directly before booking.
Our take
Our take is that the second course transforms Trump International Aberdeen from a one off bucket list round into a proper 36 hole destination, and that is the story of 2026. The original links is one of the most visually arresting in Britain, and a second 18 over the same towering dunes is a compelling reason to stay rather than just visit.
If 2026 is your window, plan an overnight at the resort to play both courses, target the shoulder months for far better value than peak summer, and treat it as the dramatic northern anchor of a wider Scotland trip. For travellers who love big, modern links golf, it is an easy yes.
Plan your Trump Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire trip
From 36 holes at Trump International to the wider Aberdeenshire coast and a base on site at MacLeod House, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
What has changed at Trump International Links Aberdeen for 2026?
The resort is now a 36 hole destination. A second 18 hole layout, the MacLeod Course, opened in the summer of 2025 alongside the original championship links, which means 2026 is the first full season visitors can play both courses on one trip. The MacLeod Course was designed by Martin Hawtree with Christian Lundin and Christine Fraser and is named after the MacLeod family line.
How much does it cost to play Trump International Links Aberdeen in 2026?
Indicative 2026 green fees on the championship links run to around 435 pounds at peak summer, with off season rounds far lower, around 195 pounds in the depths of winter. Rates change by season and the new MacLeod Course is priced separately, so always confirm the current price and availability directly before booking.
Who designed Trump International Links Aberdeen?
The original championship links was designed by Dr Martin Hawtree and opened in 2012. It plays as a par 72 of around 7,428 yards through the dunes north of Aberdeen, and is now joined by the new MacLeod Course, which opened in 2025.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course, season and access details verified June 2026 from club and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.