Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, located in the coastal city of Aberdeen, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious courses, founded in 1780. Known for its stunning and challenging layout, Royal Aberdeen has hosted numerous championships, including the Scottish Open, and is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world. The course’s natural beauty, combined with a traditional design, offers a pure and exhilarating test of links golf.

Playing as a par-71 and stretching over 6,900 yards, Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Links course is renowned for its spectacular front nine, often considered among the best in the world. The opening holes weave through towering sand dunes, providing an immediate immersion into classic links terrain, with narrow fairways, undulating greens, and deep bunkers that demand precision and careful shot-making. The course then opens up into more exposed terrain on the back nine, where coastal winds become a formidable opponent, adding a layer of difficulty and unpredictability.

Signature holes include the par-4 8th, a demanding hole that requires an accurate drive and an approach over dunes to a green surrounded by natural hazards, and the par-3 17th, which plays along the North Sea and presents a challenging tee shot in the face of crosswinds. The finishing holes offer a thrilling conclusion, with strategic bunkering and subtle contours on the greens that test even the most experienced players.

Royal Aberdeen’s traditional clubhouse and warm hospitality add to the charm, providing a welcoming space to relax and take in the club’s rich history after a round.

For golfers seeking an authentic links experience on Scotland’s east coast, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club offers a memorable and challenging round in a historic setting. It’s a must-play course that embodies the true spirit of Scottish golf, with an awe-inspiring layout that leaves a lasting impression.