Course Guides
Royal Aberdeen
Golf Club
Address: Balgownie Links, Links Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT
Location: North side of the city, beyond mouth of river Don. Northbound on main road from Aberdeen, turn right at traffic lights, after the bridge (Links Road) fork left 50 yds further on.
Telephone: 01224-702571
Course Description
Balgownie links course was designed by Simpson/Braid. The 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, being our signature hole; and tow classic par 5's. The ever changing wind, small screens na da very challenging finish makes Balgownie a test for every level of golfer. Bernard Darwin wrote :-' It represented a huge gap in my golfing education not to have played Balgownie until now. Much more than a good golf course - A Noble Links'.
By Peter Imber (imberp@earthlink.net)
One of the great things about Scotland is discovering great places to play golf you may not ever have heard of before. Royal Aberdeen falls into that category for me. My Dad and I played it and I think its first nine that hugs the North Sea is a terrific stretch of golf. It is as beautiful as it is challenging. The incoming nine is not as inspired, but overall this is a course that shouldn't be passed over. Like Troon borders Prestwick, Royal Aberdeen borders Murcar. Didn't play there but stopped at the club house and walked a few holes. Would love to go back.
By RJLongmire (Brainy1.ie-eg.com)
Played Royal Aberdeen this year and it was a great experience. The front tracks the North Sea (going Northward) and offers some truly great holes with tees overlooking the beach and some fierce gorse. Don't miss the fairway here . . . The back has some holes with blind tee shots and works its way to the clubhouse inland from the front 9. I would play it again, hear that it could be added to the Open rota if it were a tad longer. Quality golf and a class clubhouse - friendly folks on the staff and on the course.
By C Cook (c_cook@cook-hall.com )
It's a jewel that nobody knows about. Outstanding course with some fine par5's. Have played it a couple of times the last in August of 1998. If I am in that part of Scotland it's a no brainer to try and play here. Staff is outstanding and playing during the week has never been a problem. Actually played it one Sunday afternoon on one trip. Not as well known as some others in the area but certainly worth playing.
By Jean-Claude Granier
(jeanclaude@granier.freeserve.co.uk)
I am a junior member at R.A.G.C and often caddie the tourists around the course mentioned before. The Silverburn is really a course for the beginners among us and possibly for quick warm up before you tackle the main course.
More Details
- Catering service: Dining-room holds a maximum of 36. Lounge and bar.
- Golf carts hire
- Putting green
- Pro shop
- Practice ground
- Visitors welcome during the week
- Course: Balgownie
Holes: 18
Yardage: 6500
SSS: 72
- Course: Silverburgh
Holes: 18
Yardage: 4066
SSS: 60
Local Amenities
Glen Lui Hotel
19 non smoking bedrooms with private facilities Colour TV, Tea and coffee making facilities Direct dial telephones Trousers press, Hair dryer No smoking in bedrooms, conference room and restaurants. Coins operated launderette & drying facilities Under cover storage facilities for bikes Fishing rod and golf bag storage are available.
Address: Invercauld Road, Ballater, Royal Deeside
Email: infos@glen-lui-hotel.co.uk
Web Site: www.glen-lui-hotel.co.uk
Tel No: 013397-55402
Fax No: 013397-55545
Simpson's Hotel, Bar/Brasserie
Situated in the west end of Aberdeen this family run hotel is graced with From the moment you enter the intimate foyer with its Italian terracotta floors and striking furnishings. Simpson's has 37 bedrooms
Address: 59 Queens Road Aberdeen Grampian
Email: address@simpsonshotel.com
Web Site: scotlandgolf.com/a/simpsons/
Tel No: 01224-327777
Fax No: 01224-327700
