Donald Trump has hinted the Scottish Open could be a permanent fixture at his Aberdeenshire resort.
The US businessman was at the Menie estate to open his new clubhouse, and said the second course will be built.
He said he hoped his plans for a hotel would progress in time for the Scottish Open, which he expects to host for the first time in 2017.
Mr Trump said: “We’re going to bring tremendous amounts of tourism to the area with the Scottish Open.
“People are in love with this place. We will have the Scottish Open, and it looks like we’re going to have it on a permanent basis.”
Peter Adams, championship director of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, said: “Trump International Golf Links is one of a number of clubs with which The European Tour has been in conversation.
“Confirmation of the selection of the venue for 2017 will be announced in due course.”
Mr Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to completing his vision for the golf resort, which includes the second championship course, hotel, holiday villas and a staff accommodation block.
It comes after he lost his latest legal challenge over an offshore wind farm planned for nearby Aberdeen Bay.
He vowed to continue fighting against the scheme, and today said there were at least “four or five years” of appeal left.
He said: “I’m very confident that it’s going to be chucked out.
“I’m doing the second course and big hotel, doing them in sets.
“I think the applications will be approved in the next two, three or four months. We’re very confident that will win.
“We will build and build and build.
“If in four or five years down the line and something happens, I will have to rethink it.”