Trump's Golf Investments in Scotland: A Mixed Picture

The economic performance of Trump's golf courses in Scotland presents a contrasting scenario between the two locations. While Trump's golf course in Aberdeenshire continues to operate at a loss, the Turnberry Resort in South Ayrshire is developing into a success story for the former president. The golf resort at Balmedie near Aberdeen, which hosted the PGA Seniors Championship this year, recorded a nearly doubled pre-tax loss of USD 1.83 million in 2023. This marks the eleventh consecutive year of financial setbacks for Trump International Scotland, which is under the management of Donald Jr. and Eric Trump. The cumulative deficit amounts to approximately USD 20 million. Despite the significant losses, the Trump sons reaffirm their strong commitment to the development of the estate in the comprehensive analysis of reports submitted to Companies House, expressing confidence in a positive financial turnaround in the medium to long term. A new 18-hole golf course, set to complement the one opened in 2012, is scheduled to open next summer. This expansion is being led by Eric Trump and Sarah Malone, the vice president of Trump International Scotland. In contrast, the Turnberry Resort is showing impressive financial progress. Pre-tax profits soared from USD 250,000 to nearly USD 5 million, marking the second consecutive year of positive results following seven years of losses. Revenue from golf activities rose by 35% in 2022, although this increase did not entirely offset a slight decline in overall sales. The Turnberry Resort recently made headlines when it was revealed that a round on the prestigious Ailsa course could cost up to 1,000 pounds, unless players stay at the five-star hotel and start before 1 p.m. The site in South Ayrshire, which Donald Trump purchased in 2014 for over USD 50 million and whose management he transferred to a family-run trust after his election as U.S. President, remains financially connected to him.