Royal Aberdeen

Aberdeenshire

4.7

178 reviews

4.7(178 Google reviews)

About Royal Aberdeen

Royal Aberdeen is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, and the Balgownie Links it calls home is a traditional out-and-back layout of uncommon quality on the Aberdeenshire coast.

Founded in 1780 and recognised as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen received its Royal prefix in 1903, having spent well over a century establishing itself as one of Scotland's premier clubs. The Balgownie Links lies just north of Aberdeen city, running through tight dune corridors that channel the wind and demand precise ball-striking from the very first tee. The classic out-and-back routing, with nine holes heading into the wind and nine returning, means that conditions on the second nine can differ dramatically from what players encountered on the way out.

Royal Aberdeen

Links Rd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT, UK

01224 702571

royalaberdeengolf.com/

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The Balgownie Links rewards patience and local knowledge in equal measure. The dune corridors are tight enough that wayward drives leave awkward stances on sand or in thick rough, and the greens, shaped by centuries of wind and maintenance tradition, run fast and true in dry conditions. Several holes on the inward nine offer views back across the course to the North Sea, a reminder of just how exposed and elemental this kind of golf can be.

Royal Aberdeen operates both the championship Balgownie Links and the shorter nine-hole Silverburn Course, making it a venue that can accommodate a range of golfers and schedules. Visitor access is available, and the club's long history is evident in the clubhouse and in the understated confidence with which the place presents itself. For anyone touring the golf of north-east Scotland, Balgownie is an essential stop alongside Cruden Bay and Murcar Links.

Opening Hours

Monday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

What Golfers Say About Royal Aberdeen

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

Dale Nilsson
5 months ago
Great course and friendly staff and good Caddies. We had the wind at our back on the first 9 holes and hitting into the wind on the back 9. The course is very good condition and a few tricky holes, great links course, put on your bucket list 😎⛳️

Mark Tutschulte
11 months ago
Perfect morning. No tee time but visited the pto shop and spoke with a few local golfers before their round. Gorgeous course. Would be a Dean to play 18 here someday.

Andrea Abiuso
2 years ago
One of the best golf link I have ever played. The greens are extremely well-kept, the course is difficult but very enjoyable, and you can also admire a beautiful panorama along the entire course. Staff is professional and welcoming, very nice clubhouse and really well stocked pro shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Royal Aberdeen Golf Club?

Royal Aberdeen was founded in 1780, making it the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The Royal prefix was granted in 1903.

Where is the Balgownie Links located?

The Balgownie Links is situated just north of Aberdeen city on the Aberdeenshire coast in Scotland. The club also has the nine-hole Silverburn Course on the same site.

What major events has Royal Aberdeen hosted?

Royal Aberdeen has hosted the Scottish Senior Open on multiple occasions, along with a number of other significant professional and amateur events.

What is the layout of the Balgownie Links?

The course follows a traditional out-and-back links layout, with tight fairways running between dunes. This means the wind direction affects both halves of the round differently, and course management changes significantly depending on conditions on the day.