Donald Trump has sacked his greenkeeper before laying a single green at his north-east golf resort.
Paul O’Connor was taken on by Trump International Golf Links Scotland nearly a year ago, tasked with helping transform the Menie Estate, near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, into a premier golfing development.
But it is understood that the 43-year-old was dismissed last week.
Mr O’Connor previously worked at Carnoustie and was credited with helping the Angus course attract the Open in 1999 and 2007.
It is understood that he was hired by Neil Hobday, who left his consultant’s post with the Trump Organisation in May after five years steering the project through the planning process.
Last night Mr O’Connor refused to discuss his reasons for leaving, but a spokeswoman for the Trump Organisation said he had left for “personal and family reasons.”