Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie: Course Review, Key Times and Key Info

A striking view across the 17th green to the boats in the north sea

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)

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By Fergus Bisset

last updated 9 April 2025

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Key Information

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Address	Links Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8AT
Phone Number	01224 702571
Website	http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com
Email	Reservations@royalaberdeengolf.com
Visitor Times	Mon-Fri 8 - 8.30 and 2 - 3.30, Mon, Weds and Friday 10 - 11.30, Sat and Sun 3.30 - 4.50
Par	71
Slope Rating	144 (Blue), 141 (White), 138 (Yellow), 136 (Red), 123 (Black), 115 (Green)
Opened	1780 (club founded) 1888 (move to Balgownie)
Designed by	Archie and Robert Simpson, James Braid, Hawtree and Co.

Golf Monthly Verdict

A well presented, beautifully conditioned out-and-back links delivering true, testing, fair seaside golf. The front nine with tees up in the dunes, forging out along the coast delivers as good a stretch of links holes you will find anywhere. The run for home, often played into the wind presents a daunting and suitable finish to a hugely solid test of golf.

REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL ABERDEEN GOLF CLUB BALGOWNIE

– Fabulous setting played out to and alongside the north sea coast and the boats waiting to get into the busy harbour

– Simply brilliant front nine, a great mix of holes

– Playing surfaces that remain in great shape all year round

RANKINGS

UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 17

Royal Aberdeen, a firm fixture in the upper echelons of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I, has a progressive attitude towards continuous course improvements and that, combined with excellent reports on the superb condition of the course, means it continues to be a feature in the top 20 of the ranking. It's one of the very best courses in Scotland.

Archie and Robert Simpson from Carnoustie designed the first layout at Balgownie, before James Braid advised on alterations to the greens and bunkering in 1925. Hawtree and Company have more recently added their touches.

It’s an excellent out-and-back layout with a selection of highly memorable holes. The first strikes out from directly in front of the old-school, memorabilia-packed, clubhouse, straight towards the North Sea and a flag seemingly perched right on the shoreline. I always enjoy the start at Balgownie.

The layout then turns into the dunes, following the coastline to the turn. There’s an eclectic selection of holes asking for power, precision or both. The 8th is a great par-3, protected by 10 bunkers that seem to completely surround the green.

The course moves slightly inland as the run for home commences. Into the wind, the back nine can be extremely challenging. The stretch of long par-4s from the 13th to the 16th is particularly tough. The back nine has an unfair reputation for being weaker than the front nine. I don't think that's correct. Each of these holes requires two fine shots if a player is to reach in regulation.

Over the years Royal Aberdeen has played host to many memorable tournaments. Recently, Tom Watson won the British Senior Open at Balgownie in 2005, GB&I defeated the USA in the Walker Cup over the links in 2011 and Justin Rose triumphed in the AAM Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen in 2014. Royal Aberdeen hosted the 2018 Amateur Championship, won by Jovan Rebula.

Royal Aberdeen should be near the top of the must-play list for links connoisseurs.

Royal Aberdeen 1st hole — The 1st green at Balgownie

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

Andrew Oliver

The course is brilliant, it is natural and little has been forced. Much like the off course atmosphere which just fits so perfectly a club with such a long and illustrious history. Everything was presented in first class condition, but it was also understated. The course speaks for itself and those that play golf here know and appreciate what a special place it is. If I were looking to be a member anywhere in this area, this is my undisputed first choice.

Cathal Devlin

Royal Aberdeen is a fantastic place to visit. It feels like a storied and classic golf club and comes with a stunning golf course to match. The welcome, particularly form the staff in the professional's shop, was excellent. They take pride in providing a quality visitor experience here. The opener, for me, is an instant favourite with its splendid teeing area overlooked by the clubhouse bar, and its tantalising drive and approach shot played towards the North Sea.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Location

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Scorecard

Best Courses Near to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Best Places to Stay Near Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa - Book now at Booking.com
The Marcliffe has been recognised as Aberdeen's premier hotel for a number of years. Set in a leafy suburb, just a short drive from Balgownie, it delivers luxurious accommodation and fine dining. There's also a fitness centre, garden and terrace.

Malmaison Aberdeen - Book now at Booking.com A sophisticated hotel in central Aberdeen. A lively and stylish place to base yourself. Featuring a brasserie and sneaky whisky snug, there's also a nice wee spa.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Gallery

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Royal Aberdeen Golf Club Balgownie Course Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

2025/26 - 17
2023/24 - 16
2021/22 - 16
2019/20 – 16
2017/18 - 16
2015/16 - 17
2013/14 - 19
2011/12 - 21
2009/10 - 23

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Golf Clubs are there in Aberdeen?

It's a good question - Let's try and list the clubs in Aberdeen City - Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links, Nigg Bay, Caledonian, Bon Accord, Northern, Hazlehead, Auchmill, Deeside, Peterculter.

What Big events has Royal Aberdeen hosted?

Royal Aberdeen has been host to numerous significant tournaments over the years. In 2005 the club welcomed the Senior Open championship, won by Tom Watson. The Walker Cup visited in 2011 and GB&I were victorious. Justin Rose won the Scottish Open at Balgownie in 2014 and in 2018 the club hosted the Amateur Championship won by Jovan Rebula.

TOPICS

Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.

He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.

Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?

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