Royal Aberdeen Golf Club | Balgownie Links
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club | Balgownie Links
Founded in 1780 and continuously in existence since 1815, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is one of Scotland’s oldest and most storied clubs. Its Balgownie Links, stretched along the North Sea just minutes from Aberdeen’s city center, offers one of the most dramatic and challenging front nines in all of Scotland—holes that weave between towering dunes with stunning coastal views. The inward nine, often played into the prevailing wind, is equally demanding, highlighted by Donald Steel’s modern par-5 12th, which enhances the balance of the course.
Royal Aberdeen has championship pedigree: it hosted the 2014 Scottish Open and is frequently mentioned as a strong candidate to join The Open Championship rota. From the dunes to the spires of Aberdeen visible on the return, every shot here carries both beauty and bite.
Equally memorable is the clubhouse experience. The main lounge maintains the formality of a traditional Scottish gentlemen’s club, while the famous “Old Bar”—with its dark wood, historic photos, and views down the 1st—offers warmth and atmosphere that capture the spirit of Scottish golf. Cypress & Salt curates bespoke itineraries that pair golf at Royal Aberdeen with luxury accommodations, private dining, whisky experiences, and group event planning, making it a highlight of any northeast Scotland golf journey.
Course Stats
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,901 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 74.3
Slope Rating: 143
Designer: Archie & Robert Simpson (1888); reworked by James Braid & Donald Steel
Type: Traditional seaside links
Signature Holes:
Front Nine: Widely regarded as one of the best in Scotland, weaving between towering dunes.
8th: Scenic par 3 playing toward the sea.
12th: A modern par 5 by Donald Steel, blending seamlessly with the classic routing.
Championships:
Scottish Open: 2014 (won by Justin Rose)
Amateur Championship: Multiple host years
Regular site for professional and elite amateur events; often mentioned as a candidate for The Open Championship
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Ideal for firm links turf and longest daylight.
June – August: Prime conditions with warmer weather and spectacular views over the North Sea.
September: Slightly quieter, still excellent playability, with crisp air and stunning late-summer light.
