The property tycoon denied the accusation, saying he believed all along that the site at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire could be the greatest in the world.

He was speaking at the first day of a public local inquiry into his plans to create a £1 billion golf resort.

Part of the course would be built on delicate sand dunes - a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

He was quizzed by a number of environmental groups at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

David Tyldesley, of the RSPB, suggested that Mr Trump's original vision had been to create a "world class course" but not necessarily the world's best.

Mr Trump said: "Let me make it clear so we can perhaps save some time. I am looking to build the finest golf course in the world if given the chance to do it."

Mr Tyldesley said: "I don't doubt that it's an aspiration but can I put it to you that it is only a recent aspiration in order to justify the use of SSSI."

Mr Trump replied: "That is absolutely false - the moment I saw the site I thought it had the potential to be the greatest golf course in the world."

Mr Trump spent much of the time promoting his environmental credentials. At one point chief reporter James McCulloch warned that there should be no calls from the crowd after Mr Trump described himself as "an environmentalist".