It was a very special occasion yesterday afternoon when I was invited to jump aboard one of Donald Trump’s private helicopters for a stunning flight over the equally spectacular Trump International Links Course Scotland.
It is two years today (July 12th) the course was officially opened by Trump.
Despite a bizarre half hour wait for flight approval from Aberdeen Airport and in clearly aircraft free skies, myself and leading European Tour photographers Fran Caffrey and Paul ‘Lucky’ Seven spent 15 minutes flying over the Martin Hawtree designed course for the most part at a height of 500 feet.
I had the opportunity to play the course for a first time on Wednesday afternoon and actually ran the battery down in my mobile phone having taken so many pictures.
But then I was prepared for this special flight and stepped off having probably taken double the number of photographs when at ground level on the course two day earlier.
The Trump helicopter is one of two in his fleet however a third is being added that will be based in Florida.
The two-year old helicopter we flew in was transported over by ship to Liverpool where the rotor blades and rear stabilizer was refitted and in future the aircraft will be based at Glasgow/Prestwick Airport making it convenient for Donald Trump and his guests to fly in from the States and then travel easily to either Turnberry or Aberdeen and perhaps Doonbeg on the west coast of Ireland.
However as we took off here was the sight of former US Open champion Justin Rose peering out of the window from his room at McLeod House and taking a photograph of the chopper. Then as we came back into land six-time Major winner Nick Faldo came out of McLeod House to also take a photo, and when for all of his golfing life he’s been the subject in frame.
A very special thank you to both Sarah Malone and Shona Grant at Trump International Golf Links Scotland for the opportunity to board the helicopter for an unforgettable outing.
And now a collection of photographs taken of this stunning golf course and section of Scottish coastline.
Trump chopper parked in front of McLeod House.
Interior of Donald Trump’s Private Helicopter.
Happy snappers – Fran Caffrey (red shirt) and Paul ‘Lucky’ Seven 500 feet high over the stunning Trump International Links Course Scotland.
Trump International Golf Links Scotland – Clubhouse
13th, 17th and stunning seaside 14th holes at Trump International Links Course Scotland.
18th hole – Trump International Links Course Scotland.
18th hole – Looking down the fairway at Trump International Links Course Scotland.
Coming back to land at McLeod House.
Six-time Major winner Nick Faldo taking a shot of our landing.
Bernie encouraged by the pilot grabs hold of a rotor blade.
Bernie at the door of one of currently two Trump choppers.
