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.
The new course at Balgownie was commissioned to be laid out by the storied Simpson brothers – Archie and Robert – of Carnoustie (Simpson’s Golf Shop is still in business today). It was later lengthened and re-bunkered by another golf legend, James Braid.
A tale of two nines with the front nine considered one of the best in Scotland. The inward nine is less undulating, with some blind shots and more difficult green complexes.
The signature hole is considered the 17th called “Pots” a 181-yard, par 3 with a triple-tier green and fantastic views out to sea. Tom Watson’s favorite hole is the 9th called “End” a long and challenging par 4 that finishes with an approach to an uphill green.
Royal Aberdeen has a second course that is great fun to play, the Silverburn. A short 18-hole course with 9 par 3s. However, in the prevailing windy conditions along the coast, it is no pushover.
Through hosting of the 2011 Walker Cup, 2014 Scottish Open and the 2018 Men’s Amateur among other prestigious competitions, many of today’s top players have challenged the links at Aberdeen.
Ritchie Ramsey is lucky enough to have grown up on the course. A replica of his Havemeyer Trophy, for winning the US Amateur as the first Scot since 1898 and the first Brit since 1911, sits proudly in the trophy case at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
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
Please fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.
"*" indicates required fields
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.