The serene links of Trump Turnberry, a jewel on Scotland’s rugged Ayrshire coast, transformed into a virtual fortress on Saturday as President Donald Trump teed off for a round of golf under the gaze of an unprecedented security operation. Thousands of officers from across the United Kingdom, along with military personnel, snipers, and a hovering air presence, swarmed the luxury resort, effectively creating a heavily guarded bubble around the U.S. President.
President Trump, on a five-day private visit to Scotland that blends leisure with high-level diplomacy, arrived at his esteemed golf resort on Friday evening. Clad in black attire and a white “USA” cap, he was spotted driving a golf buggy, accompanied by his son Eric, U.S. Ambassador to Britain Warren Stephens, and a substantial entourage that included at least 15 additional golf buggies carrying Secret Service agents.
The scale of the security deployment underscores the heightened threat environment surrounding the U.S. President, particularly following the attempted assassination in July 2024. “It would be inappropriate for me to plan an operation and not bear in mind what has happened,” a senior officer involved in the policing efforts was quoted as saying, highlighting the direct impact of recent events on security protocols.
Yellow-vested Scottish police officers were ubiquitous, patrolling the dunes, beaches, and fairways, a stark contrast to the traditional golfing attire. A 10-foot-high metal barrier now encircles the resort, creating a formidable perimeter. Road closures were implemented, limiting access for both locals and media, while security checkpoints were established outside the hotel. Before Trump’s arrival, army and navy personnel carried out extensive sweeps of the grounds, with sniffer dogs patrolling the course and snipers positioned strategically on rooftops. A police helicopter provided overhead surveillance, and a marine unit bobbed off the coast, ensuring a comprehensive protective cordon.
While the security operation kept most protesters at a distance from the golf course itself, demonstrations were planned and took place in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, near Trump’s other Scottish golf property. Protesters voiced their opposition to the President’s visit, with some also raising concerns about the substantial cost to Scottish taxpayers for the extensive policing.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond of Police Scotland acknowledged that the security costs would be “considerable,” confirming that resources from across Police Scotland and other U.K. forces were being deployed. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, estimated that around 5,000 officers would be involved in the operation, expressing concerns about the strain on police resources due to recent force reductions.
Despite the surrounding security spectacle and distant protests, President Trump appeared to enjoy his round. He was seen waving to photographers from a beach dune and, notably, had music blaring from his golf buggy – a selection that reportedly included “Uptown Girl” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Beyond the golf, President Trump’s visit is also slated for diplomatic engagements, including meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney. He is also expected to inaugurate a second course at his Aberdeenshire golf resort in Balmedie.
For the residents of Turnberry, the presence of the U.S. President brings a mix of pride and palpable concern over the heightened security. As one local remarked, “Security is obviously being bumped up. It’s quite worrying. He’s quite a man, ain’t he?” The scene at Turnberry underscored the immense logistical and financial undertaking involved in securing a sitting U.S. President, even for a round of golf, in an era of complex global threats.