Founded in 1780 when it was named the ‘Society of Aberdeen Golfers’, Royal Aberdeen Golf Course in Scotland is recognized as the 6th oldest golf club in the world. It became the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815, then in 1888 it moved to its current site on the Links at Balgownie.
A historical stop on the Aberdeen Golf Tour, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club introduced the 5-minute lost ball rule back in 1883 – one the sport’s most famous rules. And, although St Andrews Old Course is recognized as the oldest golf course, golf in Aberdeen dates to 1625, with the Queen’s Hole on the Links of Aberdeen, which was sadly lost to history.
Considered to be the crown jewel of the two available Royal Aberdeen golf courses, Balgownie Links is a truly special experience, and every golfer worth their salt wants to see if they’re up to the challenge it provides. The course follows a traditional out-and-back layout, with the front nine heading away from the clubhouse and the inward nine running towards the dunes, showcasing the location’s coastal beauty.
Standout holes include the 8th, which is known for being a tricky par 4 that tempts players to take risks to score a birdie but punishes slight errors thanks to unforgiving bunkers. The 18th hole ends under the watchful gaze of the clubhouse, which adds to the sense of prestige and history that engulfs the entire course, making for an unforgettable experience.
The Silverburn Course is less well known but adds a less challenging offering to the club’s course roster, offering players an experience that rewards thoughtful play without punishing errors as harshly. This course is ideal for anyone looking for a more casual experience or anyone who wants a faster round of golf.
Silverburn offers all of the astounding natural beauty that Balgownie has, but without the raw difficulty. These two courses combined allow golfers and travellers of any skill level to experience the historic grounds and clubhouse while also offering a course that can cater to the needs of anyone who wants the ultimate golf trip to Scotland.
Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club has the unique distinction of being one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Located on Scotland’s northeast coastline, near the city of Aberdeen. The course hugs the North Sea dunes, offering players a unique and spectacular coastal experience.
Royal Aberdeen sets itself apart by blending a rich heritage and a course that tests even the most skilled golfers. Balgownie Links is held in esteem by both pro and amateur alike, both for its natural beauty and the unmitigated challenge the course offers.
While golf’s true birthplace remains debated among Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and St Andrews, Aberdeen may well hold the most distinguished claim. Ancient club and ball games from Europe arrived via merchant vessels over 500 years ago, with the earliest recorded golf hole – the prestigious Queen’s Hole – appearing on Aberdeen’s Links in 1625. Affluent merchants would venture from Footdee along the Queen’s Links, establishing an aristocratic golfing tradition that would flourish for centuries.
Founded as The Society of Golfers at Aberdeen in 1780, this exclusive club was renamed Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815. After decades on the Queen’s Links, concerns about course preservation led to their magnificent 1888 move to pristine Balgownie Links. The club’s refined heritage includes pioneering the five-minute ball search rule in 1783 and introducing sumptuous scarlet uniforms in 1827. Membership remained highly selective through an exacting ballot system requiring three months’ consideration.
If you’re playing Royal Aberdeen, Malmaison Aberdeen is a top choice for accommodation. Just a short drive from the course, this boutique hotel blends modern comfort with Scottish character. After a challenging round on the historic links, you can relax in stylish rooms, enjoy hearty dining at the brasserie, or unwind with a dram at the whisky snug. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and luxury for golfers visiting the Granite City.
Located in north-eastern Scotland, Aberdeen is a golfing ‘hidden gem’. It is home to several exceptional links golf courses including Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay, and is only a short drive from St Andrews.
Scotland’s third most populous city is a cultural hub, with an abundance of activities to enjoy and places to visit when you’re not on the golf course.
8 nights 4* accommodation and 7 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $5,505
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Royal Aberdeen was founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, which was changed to Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815, and claims to be the 6th oldest golf club in the world. It moved to its current home at Balgownie Links in 1888 and received royal patronage from Edwards VII in 1903.
You can easily get a tee time as part of your Play Royal Aberdeen package by Premier Golf. Not only will this eliminate the need to call ahead and book a time, but it will also make your stay seamless and much more accessible, with guaranteed, pre-booked tee times at Royal Aberdeen.
The green fees for the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club vary as the seasons change from Summer to Winter. However, we include green fees in all Premier Golf packages.
According to the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, visitors must have a handicap of 24 or under and should bring their handicap certificates, which may be required before playing. The Championship Course (Balgownie Links) is challenging and requires that the handicap index for players be no higher than 20.0.