Located 10 minutes north of Aberdeen on the north-east coast of Scotland, lies the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Featuring 18-holes of traditional links golf, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 as Aberdeen Golf Club; it was granted ‘Royal’ patronage in 1903 by Edward VII. Designed by Archie & Robert Simpson of Carnoustie, the golf course was re-bunkered and lengthened by the legendary James Braid who also designed the Kings & Queens Courses at Gleneagles, Brora Golf Club and Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Course. There are two golf courses at Royal Aberdeen, the Balgownie and Silverburn, the Balgownie Links is the main golf course while the Silverburn is a short course with nine par-three’s. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club has hosted a multitude of golf tournaments including the 2005 Seniors Open, 2011 Walker Cup and the 2014 AAM Scottish Open. As the eighth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is a must-play golf course for any golfer.
The Balgownie Links Course at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is situated on prime links land, just 8 miles south of Trump International Golf Links. Considered a true links layout, the championship Balgownie Links is designed to test the better golfer while offering an exhilarating round to the average golfers. Balgownie’s fairways are tight and undulating, whilst the greens are protected by hillocks and pot bunkers that are endemic to the British Isles. Expect bump-and-runs into the greens, and keep your tee shots low as the prevalent Scottish wind can bite quickly.
The front nine at Royal Aberdeen Links features some of the strongest opening golf holes in the game, whilst the 18-hole route starts out along the dunes and back along a plateau; the golf course characterises links golf in the traditional sense of the world. James Braid’s lengthening of the golf course evolved its legacy to keep pace with modern technology. The opening nine features dramatic sand dunes with tight fairways, while the back nine is played on higher ground with spectacular views of the North Sea and surrounds. Notable winners of major tournaments on the Balgownie Links include Tom Watson (2005 Seniors Open) and the Justin Rose (2014 AAM Scottish Open). Beware of the gorse at Royal Aberdeen; they implemented a 5-minute rule searching for lost golf balls.
Clubhouse
Being one of the oldest golf clubs globally, Royal Aberdeen has a formal dining room that maintains the traditional ambience of a gentlemen’s’ Club; a jacket and tie is required for dining in the main dining room. For a less formal atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the casual lounge and dining area with the Club’s catering being highly praised by members and visitors alike. Inside the Clubhouse, you will find a ladies & gentlemen’s locker rooms, bathrooms and showers. The Pro Shop features the latest golf brands and top-of-the-range accessories, apparel and equipment. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable so ensure you greet them on arrival for a better experience.
Practice Facilities
Being a traditional golf club and the eighth oldest in the world, Royal Aberdeen’s practice facilities are limited to a putting green. Traditional links golf courses do not have driving ranges and major practice facilities. We recommend practising your putting on the practice green, playing the short Silverburn Course, and then playing the Balgownie Links Course to get the most out of your visit.
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