Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Aberdeen, Scotland, was founded in 1780 as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and became the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815. Until 1888 members played on the Queen's Links close to the city before moving across the River Don to the links at Balgownie. The Course was originally designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid. Hawtree & Company are now engaged as the Club's architects to ensure our classic links keeps pace with the modern game.
The club's 'Royal' designation was awarded by Edward VII in 1903.
This links course runs essentially out and back along the North Sea Shore, the outward nine through some wonderful dune formation, the inland nine of the plateau. An excellent balance of holes, strong par 4’s, tricky par 3’s – with the 8th surrounded by 10 bunkers the signature hole – and two classic par 5’s. The ever changing wind, small screens and very challenging finish make Balgownie a test for every level of golfer.
The Balgownie Links, as the main course is called, still rely heavily on the ancestral influences of links golf. The traditional natural features of rolling dunes, thick straw grass and unyielding bunker play are enhanced by the presence of lots of flora and fauna, alongside a nice amount of wooded areas. The shrubbery and gorse can be seen from first tee to last, and it is a very pleasing environment for a day of golf.
