Ranked #22Scotland

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie)

Bridge of Don, Aberdeen

Nearest Airport

Aberdeen (ABZ)

8 km · ~15 min transfer

Airport Transfer

≈ €20

One way, taxi/shuttle

Hotel per Night

GBP 140–280

Meldrum House Hotel

3-Night Estimate

≈ €688

Transfer + hotel + green fee

About the Course

The Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is a traditional out-and-back links course running along the shore of the North Sea, and it has one of the finest first nine holes in golf. The club was founded in 1780, making it the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The course at Balgownie was laid out in 1888 by Archie Simpson with revisions by James Braid and Alister MacKenzie. The outward nine heads north along the beach through classic links terrain — tight fairways, pot bunkers, and heather rough — before turning for home. The greens are small and fast, demanding precision from every approach. Royal Aberdeen hosted the Senior Open Championship and is a regular stop on the European professional circuit.

Gallery

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie) — fairway

Course Highlights

Founded 1780Out-and-back layoutNorth Sea viewsAlister MacKenzie influenceSenior Open venue

Awards & Recognition

Senior Open Championship host
Top 100 GB&I

Visitor Information

Guest Policy: Visitors welcome Mon–Fri. Weekend times limited. Handicap certificate required.

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Best months to visit

Where to Stay

Meldrum House Hotel

Country house hotel with spa 20 minutes from Aberdeen, a popular golf base.

WellnessSpa20km from course

GBP 140–280

per night

Where to Eat

Sand Trap Bar & Grill

On-site

Clubhouse bar and grill overlooking the links.

Scottish