Donald Trump has declared that resolving conflicts is “much more important than playing golf” as he readies himself to return to Washington DC to “put out fires” after his recent journey.
The U.S. President was present on Tuesday to inaugurate his new 18-hole course just outside Aberdeen, which is set to be named in honour of his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, a native of Scotland. This latest addition marks the third Scottish golf course under Trump’s ownership, joining another in Aberdeen opened in 2012 and one at Turnberry in 2014.
His granddaughter Kai Trump, who was a mere eight years old when she attended the reopening of the latter following its refurbishment ten years ago, accompanied him. Now unrecognisable from her younger self in old photos, she is gearing up to play collegiate golf for the University of Miami in 2026, a decision that Donald Trump has openly endorsed.
Tuesday marked the conclusion of Trump’s five-day visit to Scotland, during which he engaged with British and Scottish officials on various subjects, including a potential trade deal between the U.S. and the UK, and took the opportunity to visit his properties.
He wrapped up his trip with the launch of the new golf course and a celebratory round of golf, but made it clear that he wouldn’t linger due to pressing matters requiring his attention elsewhere, reports The Irish Star.
“I look forward to playing it today. We’ll play it very quickly and then go back to DC and put out fires all over the world,” Trump informed reporters at the opening ceremony today.
“We did one yesterday, as you know, we stopped a war, but we’ve stopped about five wars,” he elaborated, referencing the recent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia after five days of conflict.
“That’s much more important than playing golf. As much as I like it, it’s much more important.”
He added: “I’ll be playing quickly and then I’ll be heading back. I look forward to that, but I really look forward to playing.”
Trump was joined by his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. for the ceremonial cutting of a lengthy red ribbon, marking the official inauguration of the course, followed by the playing of the president’s signature tune, “YMCA,”.
The president initiated the proceedings with a drive, followed by Eric, Irish professional golfer Paul McGinley, and American pro Rich Beem.
Before the ribbon-cutting, Trump’s sons described the course as a “passion project for my father.”
Shortly thereafter, the president himself praised the Aberdeen course as “an unbelievable development.”
Since resuming office in January, Trump has been criticised for spending an excessive amount of time on the golf course, leading many to question his commitment to his presidential responsibilities in his second term.
Yet, the former property magnate’s comments on Tuesday imply that he is fully cognisant of his responsibilities, despite his recent trip to Scotland costing taxpayers a hefty $10 million.