Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
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Overview
Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. The Balgownie Course is a true championship links that runs out through towering dunes before returning across a high plateau with views of the North Sea. The front nine is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, offering secluded, dramatic holes carved through sandhills and framed by gorse. The back nine is more open but no less challenging, with wind, revetted bunkers and plateau greens demanding accuracy and strategy throughout.
Accessibility & Amenities
Mobility: Walking course; buggies for medical use only (pre-booking essential)
Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, short-game area
Clubhouse: Bar, dining room, locker rooms
Pro Shop: Equipment, apparel, custom fitting, caddie booking
Parking: On-site, including accessible spaces
Rating, Hours & Popular Times
Course Rating (Blue): 74.8 | Slope: 144
Course Rating (White): 73.0 | Slope: 141
Opening Times: Dawn to dusk (varies seasonally)
Peak Season: May–September
Popular Times: Midweek mornings & twilight
The Course
Front Nine Highlights
1st: Elevated tee to hollow fairway, raised green
3rd: Par-3 with a small plateau green over a burn
4th: Dogleg with a gully and high green – stroke index 1
9th: Iconic par-4 with gorse-lined valley and elevated green
Back Nine
More exposed, with strategic bunkers, crosswinds, and plateaued greens that test accuracy and decision-making
Featured Hole
9th Hole (Par 4)
A world-class links hole through gorse-flanked dunes. A valley fairway leads to a rising approach to a well-guarded green. Precision is essential off the tee and into the green.
Architects: Simpson brothers (1888), James Braid (early 1900s)
Routing: Outward nine through dunes, return on elevated land
Style: Traditional, natural links with classic bunkering
Conditions: Firm fescue fairways, fast greens, deep bunkers
Maintenance: Excellent year-round; fairway mats may be used in winter
Membership
Categories: Full, Five-Day, Country, Overseas, Junior
Access to Balgownie and Silverburn Courses
Priority tee times, competitions, social events
Reciprocal play at other historic clubs
Application by member sponsorship and interview
Contact club for current pricing
Facilities
Clubhouse: Traditional granite, modern amenities, dining with course views
Pro Shop: Premium brands, club hire, apparel, caddie booking
Practice: Range, putting, short game, coaching available
Dining: Full menu, bar snacks, smart casual dress required
Visitor Info
Tee Times: Weekdays preferred; some weekends available
Handicap Limit: Men 24 | Women 36
Green Fees:
Apr–May 2025: £185
May–Oct 2025: £245
Oct–Apr: £115 (winter special)
Apr–May 2026: £189
Peak 2026: £245–£486
Packages: 36-hole day with lunch (~£450); overnight stay options
Booking: Advance only; payment due on booking
Arrival: Check in 20 mins before tee time
Dress Code: Collared shirts, tailored trousers/shorts, no denim/trainers
Caddies & Hire: Available with notice; limited buggies (medical use only)
Green Fees (2025–26)
Apr–May 2025: £185
May–Oct 2025: £245
Oct–Apr: £115 (winter special)
Apr–May 2026: £189
Peak 2026: £245–£486
Packages: 36-hole day with lunch (~£450); overnight stay options
Booking: Advance only; payment due on booking
Reviews
Front Nine: Frequently ranked among the world’s finest
Course Conditions: Excellent turf, fast greens, deep bunkers
Experience: Pure links challenge with exceptional heritage
Facilities: Friendly staff, classic clubhouse
Criticism: Back nine less dramatic than front; high visitor rate, but most feel it’s worth it
Why Play Here?
One of the oldest golf clubs in the world
True out-and-back links layout
Historic, scenic, and strategically demanding
Legendary front nine through the dunes
Maintained to championship standards
Must-play for links lovers visiting Scotland
Contact & Booking
Address: Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT, Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1224 704 705
Website: royalaberdeengolf.com