I don't know why I am entering this mine field, guess today is just one of those day where I feel like I need to get more active, so here it goes.
As to golf courses and nature, I can think of two examples where the golf course improved on what was there and I'm sure there are many more examples. First is a course here in Columbus, Ohio called the Phoenix Golf Links built on the site of a former trash heap. Certainly the golf course created habitat and turned an otherwise useless piece of land into something beneficial to the environment (though not necessarily great architecture). Second that comes to mind is Bayonne. The nature it transformed was a wasted piece of industrial site that became a wonderful course and habitat for flora and fauna. Not every golf course destroys something by being built, at least not destroys something that wasn't far worse. It definitely changes nature, that is technically true, it doesn't mean it is always for the worse.
In the end it boils down to what governmental bodies and private citizens are willing to accept for that piece of land. There are plenty of examples of private citizens changing the mind of individuals and governments concerning all types of environments, not just golf courses. A lot of Redwood forests preserved come to mind. If Trump is able to get governmental approval for his projects, the people only have themselves or their government to blame. If its the government it is up to each of us to be more active in determining the issues that should be their focus and bringing it to their attention. If you just don't like his courses or his demeanor, I get it, but unless you have done something to attempt to alter the outcome, not sure complaining about it solves any problem. (Not accussing anyone of complaining versus acting, as I'm fairy new here). Brad Klein's book about his efforts to build his course with Pete Dye come to mind, clearly a lot of effort over a long time and while not everything he wanted, i.e. holes closer to the water, still a great course with minimal impact on the environment. But it took a serious commitment not just complaining it wasn't getting done,etc.
Having been to Ireland and wishing some day to go back, I can only guess TIGLI will not likely be top on my list. Somewhere like Mulranny sounds more my style. For those whose style is Trump, enjoy. Trump did save Doonberg from its current plight, the questions become will he enhance the current environment or Americanize it. At some point the consumer will either not pay his fees or not patronize his courses, until then Trump will continue to amass more courses and do as he wishes with those courses. I can't fault the guy for wanting to buy golf courses, who wouldn't want that as a hobby.
I'll stop rambling now. Thanks.