Royal Aberdeen

The sixth-oldest golf club in the world. Balgownie is a fierce, beautiful links known for its epic front nine through dunes and Open Championship pedigree.

Slope Rating

142 Par

71 Yardage

6,901

Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Links is as pure as Scottish links golf gets – raw, rugged, and absolutely thrilling. Founded in 1780, the course was laid out by Archie Simpson and later refined by James Braid. The front nine is widely considered one of the finest in the world: it runs out through towering dunes beside the North Sea, offering tight fairways, blind shots, and elevated tees that reveal breathtaking views. The 1st and 2nd set the tone early – precise driving is essential. The 8th (“Sea Hole”) is a standout par-3 set into the dune system with little margin for error. The back nine returns inland over flatter, more open ground, but the challenge doesn’t ease – the wind becomes a constant and the bunkers more strategic. Royal Aberdeen has hosted the Scottish Open, Senior Open, and 2018 Amateur Championship, and it plays every bit like a championship venue. Tough, honest, and totally absorbing, this is a serious golfer’s course that rewards courage, thought, and humility.

Designer

Archie Simpson & Robert Simpson; revised by James Braid

Opened

1780 (Balgownie Links developed later in 1888)

Tee time availability

Difficult

Special information

Very limited visitor tee times, especially in summer. Book well in advance and expect strict pace-of-play adherence.

Tiger’s best round

—

Rory’s best round

64 – 2014 Scottish Open

Mens course record

64 – Rory McIlroy (2014)

Ladies course record

—

Round duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Caddy guide

Highly recommended – the dunes, wind, and tough lines demand expert support

Buggies

Not permitted unless with medical exemption

Bring your A-game off the tee. The wind and tight fairways on the front nine can ruin a card early. Be bold but smart – the back nine offers little respite.

Respect the course. Don’t force low scores – take fairway woods off the tee if needed, avoid bunkers at all costs, and play for the middle of greens.

Challenging and not for the faint-hearted, but walkable and scenic. Use forward tees, keep it simple, and focus on enjoying the front nine’s drama.

Green speed

10 – fast and pure, especially in dry conditions

Wind

Almost always present – strong off the North Sea. Expect crosswinds early and headwinds on the return

Pace of play

Strictly enforced – elite-level pace expected. Marshals manage efficiently.

Nerves on the first tee

High – narrow opener through dunes with spectators and the clubhouse behind. Precision required from shot one.

Clubhouse

Classic and refined – steeped in history, with views over the North Sea

The 8th is a stunning par-3 with an elevated tee and exposed green in the dunes. The 1st demands a laser-straight drive between gorse and bunkers. The 17th is a long par-4 that plays into the prevailing wind – often the toughest on the course.

Northeast coast is cooler and windier, but drier than the west. Sea mists can roll in unexpectedly. Spring and early summer provide ideal links conditions – firm turf, long days, and dramatic light.