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Champions League winner and football royalty joined by Scotland icon at grand opening of Donald Trump’s new golf course

PREMIER LEAGUE icons Andriy Shevchenko and Gianfranco Zola are being joined by local hero Jim Leighton in the full list of VIPs taking part at the grand opening of the new Trump international golf course this morning.

As you might expect US President Donald Trump gets things under way at 10.45am – with his four ball including his son Eric – alongside two men you might know best these days from SkySports’ golf commentary team, Rich Beem and Paul McGInley.



Golf course with sand dunes, flags, and spectators.
The scene at the new Trump North Sea Links course near Balmedie

President Trump playing golf.
US President Donald Trump reacts as he plays golf at the Trump Turnberry

Smartphone screen displaying a golf foursomes schedule.
The full list of four balls at the venue this morning

Irishman McGinley, of course, was also a four-time title winner on the European Tour and a winning Ryder Cup captain in 2014.

They’re in the first four ball of the day – then it’s the turn of two heroes from football, Aberdeen Gothenburg great Jim Leighton and Liverpool star Robbie Fowler.

Then at 11.12am, it’s the turn of former Chelsea duo Zola and Shevchenko.

The Ukrainian and the Italian are joined by Scottish golf hero Stephen Gallagher and ambassador Warren Stephens, who is the current US ambassador to the UK.

Other golf stars taking part in the event include Kiwi Michael Campbell, Finland’s Jarmo Sandelin and France‘s Jean van de Velde, who memorably lost a three-shot lead on the last at the Open at Canoustie back in 1999, when he ended up in his bare feet in the Barry Burn.

The ex-pros and the celebrities were spotted using the practice range this morning with Don’t You Want Me by the Human League being played over the Tannoy.

A huge saltire fluttered in the wind alongside the Stars and Stripes – and there was a whiff of manure after a wind direction change too.

Spanning hundreds of acres of rugged coastal terrain, the brand new, 18-hole links course at Trump Scotland in Aberdeenshire promises an exceptional golfing experience with dramatic views of the North Sea.

Featuring the world’s largest natural bunker, mountainous sand dunes, and infinity greens hugging the coastal dune ridge, the new Trump North Sea Links course at Balmedie is designed to complement the existing Trump International championship links course.

While controversial politically at its birth, the Trump International has received worldwide acclaim and is ranked among the “Top 100 Courses in the World” by Golf Digest.

The US president spent yesterday at hit other resort in Scotland, Trump Turnberry – where he slammed windfarms as “ugly monsters” and pleaded for more North Sea oil and gas drilling – just hours before a meeting with the First Minister.

The US President also poured cold water on John Swinney’s fresh push for a second independence referendum while rooting for Scotland to “do well” due to his late mum’s Isle of Lewis roots.

He suggested that now was too soon for another vote on separation during a press conference at his Turnberry golf club in Ayrshire alongside Sir Keir Starmer.

The SNP chief earlier claimed a Nats majority of MSPs at next May’s Holyrood election could be the “springboard” for Scotland “taking charge of our own destiny”.



Portrait of Andrei Shevchenko in an AC Milan jersey.
Portrait of Andrei Shevchenko

Gianfranco Zola of Chelsea FC scoring a goal.
Chelsea’s Gianfranco Zola in his pomp at Stamford Bridge

A soccer goalie holds up a Scottish flag.
Jim Leighton was a massive hero for Scotland, Aberdeen and Man Utd

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page




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