Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Key Information
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
| Address | Links Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8AT |
| Phone Number | 01224 702571 |
| Website | http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com |
| Reservations@royalaberdeengolf.com | |
| Green Fees | £95-£215 |
| Visitor Times | Mon-Fri 8 - 8.30 and 2 - 3.30, Mon, Weds and Friday 10 - 11.30, Sat and Sun 3.30 - 4.50 |
| Par | 71 |
| Slope Rating | 144 (Blue), 141 (White), 138 (Yellow), 136 (Red), 123 (Black), 115 (Green) |
| Opened | 1780 (club founded) 1888 (move to Balgownie) |
| Designed by | Archie and Robert Simpson, James Braid, Hawtree and Co. |
Golf Monthly Verdict
A well presented, beautifully conditioned out-and-back links delivering true, testing, fair seaside golf. The front nine with tees up in the dunes, forging out along the coast delivers as good a stretch of links holes you will find anywhere. The run for home, often played into the wind presents a daunting and suitable finish to a hugely solid test of golf.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL ABERDEEN GOLF CLUB BALGOWNIE
– Fabulous setting played out to and alongside the north sea coast and the boats waiting to get into the busy harbour
– Simply brilliant front nine, a great mix of holes
– Playing surfaces that remain in great shape all year round
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 16
Royal Aberdeen has a progressive attitude towards continuous course improvements and that, combined with excellent reports on the superb condition of the course, means it continues to be a feature in the top 20 of the ranking. It's one of the very best courses in Scotland.
Archie and Robert Simpson from Carnoustie designed the first layout at Balgownie, before James Braid advised on alterations to the greens and bunkering in 1925. Hawtree and Company have more recently added their touches.
It’s an excellent out-and-back layout with a selection of highly memorable holes. The first strikes out from directly in front of the old-school, memorabilia-packed, clubhouse, straight towards the North Sea and a flag seemingly perched right on the shoreline.
The layout then turns into the dunes, following the coastline to the turn. There’s an eclectic selection of holes asking for power, precision or both. The 8th is a great par-3, protected by 10 bunkers that seem to completely surround the green.
The course moves slightly inland as the run for home commences. Into the wind, the back nine can be extremely challenging. The stretch of long par-4s from the 13th to the 16th is particularly tough. Each of them requires two fine shots if a player is to reach in regulation.
Over the years Royal Aberdeen has played host to many memorable tournaments. Recently, Tom Watson won the British Senior Open at Balgownie in 2005, GB&I defeated the USA in the Walker Cup over the links in 2011 and Justin Rose triumphed in the AAM Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen in 2014. Royal Aberdeen hosted the 2018 Amateur Championship, won by Jovan Rebula.
Royal Aberdeen should be near the top of the must-play list for links connoisseurs.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
A traditional treasure is in stow when you arrive at the Balgownie course. The out and back links layout offers welcome surprises, striking topography and countless feature holes. The first hole is one of my favourite openers I’ve ever played in terms of a visual appeal. The region is packed with leading links courses, but if I were resident in the area this is the place I’d want to play.
As a championship course the presentation and overall condition was impressive. Holes are framed by impressive natural features, dunes and large banks with extensive seas of fescue, providing clear definition that is further refined by progressive cuts at the margins. It’s another world playing the initial holes through the dunes, a glorious experience culminating at the par-3 8th - my endearing memory.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Location
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Green Fees
| 10th Apr - 7th May | £149 |
| 8th May - 15th Oct | £215 |
| 19th Oct - 7th Apr 2024 | £95 |
Contact the club via the website to find out more and to book
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Best Places to Stay Near Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa - Book now at Booking.com
The Marcliffe has been recognised as Aberdeen's premier hotel for a number of years. Set in a leafy suburb, just a short drive from Balgownie, it delivers luxurious accommodation and fine dining. There's also a fitness centre, garden and terrace.
Malmaison Aberdeen - Book now at Booking.com A sophisticated hotel in central Aberdeen. A lively and stylish place to base yourself. Featuring a brasserie and sneaky whisky snug, there's also a nice wee spa.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Gallery
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2023/24 - 16
- 2021/22 - 16
- 2019/20 – 16
- 2017/18 - 16
- 2015/16 - 17
- 2013/14 - 19
- 2011/12 - 21
- 2009/10 - 23
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Golf Clubs are there in Aberdeen?
It's a good question - Let's try and list the clubs in Aberdeen City - Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links, Nigg Bay, Caledonian, Bon Accord, Northern, Hazlehead, Auchmill, Deeside, Peterculter.
What Big events has Royal Aberdeen hosted?
Royal Aberdeen has been host to numerous significant tournaments over the years. In 2005 the club welcomed the Senior Open championship, won by Tom Watson. The Walker Cup visited in 2011 and GB&I were victorious. Justin Rose won the Scottish Open at Balgownie in 2014 and in 2018 the club hosted the Amateur Championship won by Jovan Rebula.
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