Donald Trump’s Scottish golf ventures are painting two very different financial pictures. Trump International Scotland in Aberdeenshire reported a surge in revenue but a deepening pre-tax loss of $1.83 million in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year. This marks the 11th straight year of losses for the Balmedie course, pushing its total deficit to a hefty $20 million. In contrast, the family’s Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire boasted a dramatic profit leap, soaring from $250,000 to nearly $5 million in 2023.
Despite the mounting losses at Aberdeen, the Trump family remains “steadfastly committed” to their vision, noting optimism for a turnaround in the “medium to long term.” The resort, helmed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, is set to unveil a new 18-hole links course next summer to complement its existing championship course, aiming to boost future revenues. Eric Trump and Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, have overseen the design and development of this ambitious addition.
In a year where energy costs surged, directors acknowledged that investments in tournaments and marketing impacted the bottom line but anticipated strong revenue growth moving forward. Turnberry, on the other hand, enjoyed a 35% boost in golf revenues, and its iconic Ailsa course made headlines with its record-setting green fee of up to $1,300 per round, setting a UK pricing benchmark.
With contrasting fates, the Trump family’s Scottish golf operations underscore both challenges and potential triumphs in the luxury golf market. Whether Aberdeen can rebound remains to be seen, but for Turnberry, profitability has finally taken root.