by Scott-American
While I do not find amazing that a majority of locals may support the endeavors of project like this for "economic" reasons, let me just say that these economic reasons are short sighted, rarely sustainable beyond a couple of decades and leave a permanent destruction of the environment and local community way of life. Communities that are "traditional" based, e.g., the tweed industry in the Hebrides, go up and down over time but many (not all, e.g., Welsh slate) have survived as they are based on the local elements and resources. These quick buck endeavors never do. Witness the Gulf Coast of the US after Katrina, the countless resorts that have to be "revitalized" (Anybody want to live at Grenelief in Orlando or the Poconos, Bretton Woods, Dixville Notch, etc???) after 20-30 years... the list is endless. And if Andy Johnson wants to make his living serving 10GBP beefburgers to haughty Americans, go for it. But you won't think so much of the "economic reasons" after a few years. As both a LSE and UPenn (Trump's alma mater) alum, I have been blessed to spend time in Aberdeenshire as well as experience the "pros and cons" of these types of developments. And if you think the costs and benefits are just pounds and pence, you need to go back to school. Kudo to Tim and the editor. Oh BTW, no real golfer worth his salt would prefer a "modern", cart-path ladened course over a Cruden Bay or Duff House so T&F, take your plans into the North Sea. BTW Andy, why don't you and the rest of the supporters move to the Poconos or Grenelief - there is plenty of room - so the rest of us golfers can enjoy the real home of golf that you want to destroy.

by jdh
Trump is a cool dude, but I'd side with
the Scot's. The over-blown golf develop-
ments leave me cold,... don't really think thats golf. And how did this only
for the wealthy mentality get started
any way???

by g werkman
Your biased reporting simply tells me to never read your dribble again. no loss for me or you. have a good day.
Gary

by countydown
Bully for Scotland and the Aberdeenshire council. What the golfing world needs less of is overblown, signature courses that exist only to glorify the developer and the architect and what it needs more of are great golf courses in great locations. There will be a wiser, more environmentally conscious and locale friendly approach to building a golf course on this land. How would this have been handled if Mike Keiser had been involved?

by Daddymac
Scotland as a nation has been stagnating for many years. I find it sad that your article is so quick to applaud a rather backward decision by the Aberdeenshire council. It is futile to stand in the way of progress, but sadly so typical of Scotland for so many centuries now. And to hide behind the environment is an even sadder situation. The economic uplift this would have given the area would far surpass any negative environmental impact. Ask the residents of St. Andrews what their town would be like without the Old Course.
As for the author, you seem more concerned with thumbing your nose at Donald Trump than the missed opportunity for Scotland.
Shame on you.

by Scot-American
So global warming is "progress"? Shame on you for adovcating this non-sense and lack of fortitude for those who stand up for the long-run. I love golf but another piece of modern garbage in the name of progress is, well, shameful. And if progress is so great, go live in China. It's "progressing" and it's a hell hole to live in.

by Peter Mason
Golf courses with the kind of real estate develoment Mr Trump proposed, do not bring economic benefit in relation to their investment,except for Mr Trump. The environmental damage would be permanent.

by BackAlleyBarney
I absolutely love it when a power broker such as "The Donald" is startled, and ultimately stifled by a "surprising" comeuppance. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen often enough...and egomaniacs like him deserve a taste of the reality that you don't always get your way in this pathetically unsympathetic world.
That's just the daily norm for us poor folk. So screw that misguided spoiled brat...I hope that he goes broke!

by Kevin
You can't seriously believe that tee-times and polo shirts will pay for initial development of 2 world-class courses... tell me you have more business acumen than that.
Also, I'd appreciate you using my email address ONLY for golf package information and marketing -- your personal bias regarding Trump holds no interest for me; in fact, I disagree strongly. I'm not interested in political/socio-economic views from a golf-package provider.
Tend your knitting.

by graham taylor
Absolutely right on Trump and well done the Scots for turning him down. The best courses in Scotland are not 'resort' courses but those that have been played on for years by the locals and which are not manufactured but which have evolved over time. (Kingsbarns may just be the exception that proves the rule, but this does not have an associated development with it). The area that Trump wanted to 'develop' is fantastic and whilst a course may not spoil it, the development would.