Trump Opens New Golf Course in Scotland, Hails US-UK Trade Deal as "Great Deal for Everybody"

Strategic Insights -

The US president, Donald Trump, has officially opened his new golf course in Scotland, Balmedie, by cutting the ribbon and teeing off with his son Eric and two professional golfers. The event, attended by Scottish First Minister John Swinney and former footballers, marked the fifth and final day of Trump's visit to Scotland. Trump hailed the US-UK trade deal as a "great deal for everybody," after meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and thanking him for his efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump praised Sir Keir Starmer as "really very gracious" and loves the place and area, lavishing praise on him for his efforts to get the US-UK trade deal done.
  • Trump described the US-UK trade deal as "a very big deal and a great deal for the country and a great deal for everybody," after it was finally agreed to after 12 years of talks.
  • Trump held talks with John Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, before opening his new golf course, during which they discussed tariffs on Scotch whisky and the situation in Gaza.
  • Trump will tee off for the first round on the new course at about 10:45 am, joined by his son Eric, American professional golfer Rich Beem, and Irish professional golfer Paul McGinley.
  • The US president described his conversation with Sir Keir Starmer as "great" and said he should slash taxes and stamp out illegal immigration if he is to beat Reform UK and Nigel Farage.
  • Trump's Scotland visit has been marked by protests but has been a success in terms of his favorite things: playing golf, making deals, and getting attention.

Statistics:

  • 12 years of talks before the US-UK trade deal was finally agreed upon.
  • 15 minutes-length conversation between Trump and John Swinney, which included discussions on Scotch whisky tariffs and the Gaza situation.
  • 10:45 am tee off time for Trump and his fellow golfers.
  • 3 days spent playing golf on one of his own courses during Trump's Scotland visit.

Sources:

  • "Credit: Andrew Harnik /Getty Images Europe"
  • 29 Jul 2025
  • 29 Jul 2025-08:55AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-09:03AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-09:14AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-09:17AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-09:49AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-09:59AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-10:04AM GMT
  • 29 Jul 2025-10:21AM GMT