Tee time with Trump - striking balls and deals over 18 holes

July 26, 2025

Donald Trump, currently visiting Scotland for the opening of a new Trump course in Aberdeenshire, has an unusually intense relationship with golf that extends beyond recreation into business, competition, and politics. Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney describes Trump as a fiercely competitive golfer who has little tolerance for slow play and poor shots. Trump owns 11 golf courses in the US and three in the UK, with more planned internationally, though not all properties are profitable, with Balmedie reporting its 11th consecutive year of losses.

Who is affected

Donald Trump and his business empire
Foreign leaders and politicians who use golf to gain access to Trump (including Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Senator Lindsey Graham)
Wealthy businessmen who frequent Trump's golf properties
Local authorities who have clashed with Trump over land use issues
Trump's golf course employees and management
Communities surrounding Trump's golf properties
People who play golf with Trump (including journalists like Kevin Brown and former staff like Mick Mulvaney)

What action is being taken

Trump is visiting Scotland this weekend for the opening of a new Trump course near Balmedie in Aberdeenshire
Trump is expanding his golf empire with plans for new resorts in Oman, Indonesia, Vietnam and Qatar
Foreign leaders are using golf as a means to connect with Trump and discuss political matters
Trump regularly plays golf with political allies and business associates
Trump is hosting club tournaments at his properties
Trump is seeking to have Turnberry host a future British Open Championship

Why it matters

Golf provides Trump with private access to influential people away from media scrutiny
The sport serves as both a business venture and networking opportunity for Trump
Trump's golf properties are significant financial investments, though not always profitable (Balmedie lost $1.83m in 2023)
Golf connections offer foreign leaders and businesspeople potential influence with the president
Trump's competitive nature on the golf course reveals aspects of his personality and approach to relationships
The exclusive nature of Trump's golf properties (with rounds costing up to $1,350 at Turnberry) reinforces connections with wealthy and powerful individuals

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC