The Complete Guide to Royal Dornoch Golf Club Discover the Jewel of Golf in the Scottish Highlands For golfers visiting Scotland, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is one of the most sought after courses for the itinerary. But this hasn’t always been the case. For most of the 400 years that golf has been…
Royal Aberdeen
Course Guide
- Club Founded: 1870
- Par 71
- 6530 Yards
- Designer: Archie Simpson, James Braid
- GOLF U.K. & Ireland Top 100: #35
- Pro Tip: Keep your head down on the 1st tee
Nearby Courses
Course Description
The earliest known description of a golf hole was made in 1625, on what was then known as the Queen’s Links. This ancient course wasn’t found in St. Andrews or Dornoch or East Lothian, but instead along Scotland’s northeast coast near Aberdeen. The historical marker leads many to claim that the game itself, at least as we know it, originated here. A distinction that the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is in no rush to refute.
Originally known as the Society of Aberdeen Golfers, the club was founded in 1780 and stands as the 6th oldest in the world. With that degree of history, it’s no surprise that the club has had an impact, albeit quietly, on the game as a whole. For example, we can thank the members of Royal Aberdeen for the 5 minute cap imposed on that playing partner whose search for a lost ball might otherwise last for days. They first instituted the rule in 1783.
The opening hole of the Balgownie Links makes for both an inspiring and intimidating start to the round, as the fairway tumbles down toward the sea from a tee box practically inside the members’ lounge. And so begins the golfer’s journey across wild and rumpled terrain, weaving through the dunes on what many regard as nothing short of the finest front-9 on the globe. The adventure continues to the brilliant par-3 8th - where anything from 3-iron to pitching wedge will be required - before turning home on the aptly named 9th, known as “The End.”
Royal Aberdeen - The Finest Front-9 in Scotland
The inward-9 plays mostly along the less interesting, elevated ground tucked further inland, however it’s here that we find the teeth of Royal Aberdeen. Particularly the teeth of the prevailing wind, which to this point has likely been at our back, and is now just one of several obstacles for anyone hoping to post a score. Another being James Braid’s lasting contribution to the Balgownie Links: the outstanding collection of revetted bunkers that are best admired from afar.
Royal Aberdeen’s final layer of defense comes at the closing pair of holes. The view back down to the sea on the par-3 17th reminds us that although the front-9 is world renowned, it’s the inward holes which command the best views. Meanwhile, the 18th stands as one of the sternest closing holes in Scotland. If the prevailing wind is up, a combination of driver and 3-wood may not be enough to reach the putting surface. Perhaps a good indication of why many members choose to play it as a par-5 instead.
For many, including some of the world’s best players, the 2014 Scottish Open was a first introduction to Royal Aberdeen. The club likes it that way, preferring to go about its business quietly while others nearby soak up the spotlight. Those wise enough to add the Balgownie Links to their itinerary are treated to a combination of rich history and links golf of the highest order. The front-9 alone makes the trip across the pond entirely worthwhile.
Ready to Experience Royal Aberdeen and the Rest of Scotland?
Download Your Complete Guide to The Home of Golf
The Complete Guide to
Scotland Golf Travel
What's covered in this free 40+ page guide:
- The best regions for golf in Scotland.
- Old Course at St. Andrews tee times.
- Where to enjoy the Good Life between rounds.
- Lesser known courses you should play.
Plus links to over 50 additional guides and resources.
By downloading up you agree to receive marketing communications from Haversham & Baker and have read our privacy policy.
Learn More About Royal Aberdeen and Aberdeen Golf Trips
The Highlands of Scotland Off the Beaten Path
The Highlands of Scotland Off the Beaten Path Lesser Known Courses to Play on Your Golf Trip There was a time when The Highlands of Scotland as a whole was a journey off the well worn path for golf travelers. But golfers are an intrepid bunch, as proven by the number of far flung destinations…
5 Things to See on Golf Vacations to The Highlands of Scotland
5 Things to See on Golf Trips to The Highlands of Scotland Must-See Sightseeing Stops in the Scottish Highlands When it comes to enjoying the Good Life off the course during Scotland golf tours, few areas match the blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty found in The Highlands. So much, in fact, that one…
Podcast: The Highlands of Scotland
Podcast: The Highlands of Scotland Explore this Must-Play Scottish Golf Destination Once considered a far flung destination, golf trips to The Highlands of Scotland have become mainstream for many golfers. Join Connor & D.J. as they take an in-depth look at one of their favorite destinations for golf in Scotland. By the end…
7 Things to See at Cabot Highlands and Castle Stuart
7 Things to See at Cabot Highlands and Castle Stuart Golf Links Explore a Modern Classic in The Highlands Although Castle Stuart Golf Links is still the new kid on the block, it has quickly become a “must-play” for many golfers planning a golf trip to Scotland. This can be attributed to a variety of…
Your Guide to 2025 Golf Trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England
Your Guide to 2025 Golf Trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England Best Destinations and Planning Tips Given the extraordinary demand for international travel, planning for 2025 golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England is already well underway. Based on initial inquiries and early bookings, we anticipate 2025 will be another record-breaking year for overseas…
How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland – 12 Important Decisions
How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland 12 Important Decisions for Your Journey There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve asked a common question: How do I plan a golf trip to Scotland? Getting your trip from the idea phase to firmly on the calendar requires navigating a series of important decisions. Some…
How Much Does a Golf Trip to Scotland Cost
How Much Does a Scotland Golf Trip Cost? Key Price Factors for Scotland Golf Packages If you’ve spent any amount of time scrolling the websites for golf travel companies, you’ve probably noticed a common feature: No prices. Most will say that fluctuations in price within the travel industry make listing them online impossible. The…
Discover More of Golf at its Finest with H&B
