Donald Trump shows off golf skills at Turnberry amid high security as protests erupt during Scotland trip

TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND: President Donald Trump spent the first full day of his five-day overseas trip playing golf at his Turnberry resort in Scotland on Saturday, July 27.

The president, who arrived Friday evening, July 26, via Prestwick Airport, teed off alongside his son Eric Trump and US Ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens.

Though his golf outing appeared calm and controlled, the wider reception to Trump’s visit was deeply polarized, marked by security lockdowns near his properties and demonstrations in Edinburgh and Aberdeen against both his political record and foreign policy.

Turnberry becomes high-security zone as Donald Trump hits the course

Donald Trump's presence at the Turnberry resort on Scotland’s southwest coast transformed the normally tranquil golf destination into a high-security zone.

Roads were shut down, and security forces were stationed throughout the area. Armed Secret Service snipers positioned themselves at strategic vantage points, while other agents, local police, and sniffer dogs patrolled the golf course, beach, and surrounding dunes. In some cases, even golfers were subjected to security checks.

The president posted a video montage of his golf swings from the day on his Truth Social platform, including a quote he attributed to golf legend Gary Player: "The Great Gary Player: ‘Turnberry is, without a question, in the Top Five Greatest Golf Courses I’ve ever played in my 73 years as a Pro.’ Thank you, Gary!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The golf course, which Trump purchased for $60 million in 2014, has hosted four Open Championships but was sidelined from the tournament rotation after the 2021 Capitol riots. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) announced it would not return The Open to Turnberry until it could be assured that coverage would remain focused solely on the sport.

Gary Player defends Turnberry, urges R&A to reconsider

Gary Player, a long-time champion of Turnberry and two-time Senior Open winner there, has previously appealed to the R&A to restore the tournament to the course. Speaking out in support of the resort, he called the continued exclusion of Turnberry “wrong and cruel.”

"It must come back. Fairness in life. Some might say Donald Trump did … what about every other president? They all did something wrong. Not only Donald Trump. Every one of them. It says in the Bible: Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us," Player said.

"It’s wrong and it's cruel and it's unfair not to have The Open go back to Turnberry because it's the best golf course. That and Carnoustie. Carnoustie and Trump Turnberry are the two best golf courses in Scotland." 

Edinburgh and Aberdeen see mass rallies as Donald Trump visits Scotland

While no demonstrations took place near the tightly secured Turnberry resort, large protests unfolded in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Hundreds of activists, organized by the Stop Trump Coalition, marched to the US Consulate in Edinburgh and rallied near Donald Trump’s property in Aberdeen, voicing opposition to his visit, policies, and the UK government’s engagement with him.

Placards, Palestinian flags, and calls for First Minister John Swinney to boycott a meeting with Trump highlighted the discontent. 

The visit has reignited tensions over Trump’s divisive political legacy and his investments in Scotland, which have long stirred debate within local communities.

Donald Trump to hold trade talks and meet global leaders during UK trip

Donald Trump’s visit blends leisure with diplomatic and business engagements. He is expected to hold trade discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

Talks with leaders from Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Thailand, are also underway, aimed at resolving a deadly border conflict.

The president will conclude his trip with a visit to his resort in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, where he is scheduled to open a new golf course. He will return to the US on Tuesday, July 29, but is set to come back to the UK for a formal state visit hosted by King Charles III from September 17 to 19.