Royal Aberdeen was proud to host the 2014 Scottish Open, and it’s no surprise she was picked, since golf courses in Scotland don't get much better than this. In particular, the first nine holes are an absolute standout. Balgownie's front nine are acknowledged as the best in the world, every one slightly different, broken up by amazingly rich turf and lovely rolling fairways.
There's also the Silverburn Course to play, a beautiful short 18 hole course complete with nine excellent par-3s. The course's blend of links and parkland are superbly looked after. If you have time and energy left over from playing the magnificent Balgownie, they’ll be a pleasure to tackle.
About Royal Aberdeen golf course - A Brief History
- Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780, the 6th oldest golf club in the world
- It was originally called the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, designed by the Simpson Brothers - Archie and Robert, of Carnoustie
- In 1783 the club was the first to introduce the five minute limit on hunting for lost balls
- Underwent a name change in 1815 on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo to become the Aberdeen Golf Club
- in 1827 a 'Committee of Taste' decided to specify a uniform coat be worn by members
- In 1872 the club received the patronage of Prince Leopold
- Until 1888 members played on the Queen's Links, when the course moved to the other side of the River Don to the links at Balgownie
- In 1903 King Edward VII awarded the club its Royal designation
- Course has since been re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid
- Host of the 2005 Senior British Open, 2011 Walker Cup, and 2014 Scottish Open
Royal Aberdeen scorecard
View Royal Aberdeen scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 14
The play on Royal Aberdeen golf course peaks at the 14th hole, a full 441 yards and par-4. To combat the treacherous wind you need to achieve two absolutely perfect shots. There's a dry ditch across the fairway at 230 yards or so out, the bane of plenty tee shots. The safe part of the play comes with a long iron into the narrow right side of the fairway, then all you have to do is play a good 190 yard second over a dyke to a very narrow and well-bunkered green. Survive that far, take two good putts and you've made it to the 15th.
Known for offering the finest links golf in the world
A Royal Aberdeen tee time lets you sample some of the world's best links golf, cutting your way across tricky sand dunes. But it's probably best known and loved for the sheer variety of challenges it poses, with a bunch of very strong par 4s, seriously difficult par 3s and a couple of exceptional par 5s, the 8th protected by nine bunkers. As the golf writer Sam McKinlay said, “There are few courses in these islands with a better, more testing, more picturesque outward nine than Balgownie". And as Bernard Darwin said, it is, “Much more than a good golf course, a noble links!"
Royal Aberdeen golf vacations
When you are looking for the very finest in Royal Aberdeen golf and accommodation, The Experience St Andrews is the best-in-breed. Considerable expertise meet a genuine passion for the game to provide our customers with an unforgettable Scotland golf vacation featuring some of the most renowned courses in existence. All our golf vacations can be tailored to your exact requirements – get in touch to find out more or book your Royal Aberdeen golf vacation.
Featured Royal Aberdeen Golf Package:
St Andrews and North East 7-night Progam - Go big or go home with this unforgettable golfing extravaganza, featuring 7 rounds of Golf at the courses of your choice (including a guaranteed round at the Old Course, and of course, Royal Aberdeen), and daily transfers between the courses and your hotel. You’ll be vacationing for 7 nights at two stylish hotels, including The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, and luxuriate in the hospitality on offer including club lunches when in St Andrews. Discover more about Scottish golf packages.