Controversial golf course opened by US developer

The businessman was piped to the first hole of the Aberdeenshire course and teed off with former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. Montgomerie said it was an “honour” to play the first round on the “marvel” of a course.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones and European Tour chief George O’Grady said they would work to bring major events to the course.

The building of the links course in Aberdeenshire has been controversial, with environmental campaigners opposing the construction on protected sand dunes and Mr Trump himself complaining about a potential offshore windfarm nearby.

The course opens to the public on Sunday after private events this week.

More than £100m has been spent on the course and the clubhouse, but further plans for a hotel and homes have been put on hold until a final decision is made about the windfarm.

Mr Trump’s firm said about 160 jobs – from managers to green keepers – had been created.