Balgownie Links
The championship Balgownie Links is an established tournament host, running out and back along the North Sea coastline. This is raw links golf, where golfers can expect no protection from the elements. The course has played host to the Scottish Boys Championship on numerous occasions, and its proximity to Aberdeen city centre makes it even more attractive.
The course was originally designed by Robert and Archie Simpson, two brothers from Carnoustie, but has since been tinkered with by James Braid, and is now under constant revision by Donald Steel's design company.
Without doubt, this is one of the finest in Scotland's north. Beware on your approach to the signature hole, the 8th - the hole is protected by 10 bunkers!
The Scottish Open
In 2014 the world's best golfers headed up to the stunning links layout at Royal Aberdeen for The Scottish Open. Justin Rose claimed the title with a 4 round -16 total including rounds of 69, 68, 66 and 65. Rose's 2-shot victory was over a stellar field including major winners, Shane Lowry, Phil Mickelson, Danny Willett, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy. McIlroy started fast at Royal Aberdeen with an opening round of 64 which still stands today as the course record.
The Senior Open
2005 saw some of the game's greats enjoy tournament golf on the Blairgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. The Senior Open Championship welcomed the likes of Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Craig Stadler, Loren Robers and Sam Torrance to do battle on the par-71 layout. Despite opening with a round of 75, Tom Watson was able to recover with a very strong weekend of 64 and 70 to finish tied with Ireland's Des Smyth on -4, holding off Greg Norman who finished just 1 shot further back on -3. Watson's victory at Royal Aberdeen was his 2nd Senior Open Championship, both won by playoffs, of what would become 3 in total to add to his 5 Open Championships.
The Walker Cup
One of the pinnacle events in amateur golf is The Walker Cup, 2011 saw Royal Aberdeen host the very best in UK & Ireland against the USA. The USA team featured many household names including Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Uihlein and Patrick Rodgers, The UK & Ireland team were able to boast a number of talented golfers who went onto make their mark on the professional game including Steven Brown, Tom Lewis and Andy Sullivan. With such a talented crop of golfers on who, it is easy to see why the match was so close. The match finished 14 - 12 to UK & Ireland with The USA closing fast in the afternoon singles, just coming up shy after staging a strong fightback, winning 6.5 points.
Royal Aberdeen is ranked as one of the best courses in Scotland and is a must play for enthusiasts of Royal golf.
Course Information
| Par |
71 |
| Designed by |
Archie Simpson, Robert Simpson, James Braid |
| Opened for play |
1780 |
Tees
| Blue |
6,922 yards |
SSS 74 |
| White |
6,537 yards |
SSS 73 |
| Yellow |
6,253 yards |
SSS 71 |
| Red |
6,034 yards |
SSS 75 |
| Green |
5,199 yards |
SSS 71 |
Silverburn Course
The second course at Royal Aberdeen is a shorter 18-hole layout that comes in at just over 4,000 yards, Silverburn is perfect for practice.
Part of an area where golf has true ancient antiquity, the Silverburn Course gives golfers different look at links golf with the maintenance and service one would expect from Royal Aberdeen.
Course Information
| Par |
64 |
| Designed by |
James Braid |
| Opened for play |
1886 |
Tees
| White |
4,021 yards |
SSS 61 |
How to get to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is situated 2 miles north of Aberdeen off the A92, just 7 miles east of Aberdeen airport.
Address: Links Road, Bridge Of Don , Aberdeen , Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB23 8AT
