Photo: Bill Harrison · CC BY-SA 2.0
Aberdeen, Scotland
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club — Balgownie Links
A classic Scottish links at Bridge of Don, founded in 1780 and among the oldest golf clubs in the world.
Course overview
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. The club moved to its present links at Balgownie, north of the River Don, in 1888. The course was laid out by Archie and Robert Simpson of Carnoustie and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid. It has hosted the Senior British Open, the Walker Cup, and the Scottish Open, and welcomes visiting golfers within specified time windows on weekdays and after 3:30pm on weekends.
The essentials
- Architect
- Archie and Robert Simpson; James Braid (re-bunkered)
- Established
- 1888
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,326 m
- Location
- Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Character & atmosphere
A traditional out-and-back links running through high dunes along the North Sea, with the front nine's dunescape giving way to flatter, wind-exposed closing holes. Braid's re-bunkering demands accuracy from the tee throughout; recommended for golfers with a handicap of 24 or below.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Archie and Robert Simpson; James Braid (re-bunkered), opened in 1888.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is approximately 7 miles from the course — around 13 minutes by car, making this one of the most accessible Scottish championship links. Visitor tee times run in specified windows on weekdays (mornings and early afternoons) and after 3:30pm on weekends; a handicap certificate is required, with 24 or below recommended.
Where to stay
Aberdeen is the most practical base for the Aberdeenshire golf circuit, combining easy access to Royal Aberdeen and Murcar at the city's edge with a manageable drive to Cruden Bay and Trump International. As Scotland's third city, it offers hotel and dining variety well above what the rural courses nearby would suggest.
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Scotland
Explore Aberdeen
The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire golf coast, anchored by Royal Aberdeen and Murcar.