Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Links)

The Dunes Beyond the Don

The Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club opened in 1888 after members moved from Queen's Links across the River Don. Archie and Robert Simpson shaped the original course, while James Braid later re-bunkered and lengthened it. Royal patronage followed in 1903.

The routing follows a classic out-and-back path. The opening half drops from the clubhouse and threads through high dunes beside the North Sea. Tight, rolling fairways pass through sheltered valleys, although elevated tees bring the wind firmly back into play.

The par-three 8th is the course's signature hole, with nine bunkers guarding a compact green. The 9th then crosses a burn and climbs through the dunes before the inward nine returns on higher ground. This side is less undulating but more exposed, using blind drives and hidden troughs to defend the approaches.

The closing hole completes the contrast. Its drive falls into a hollow before a long approach rises towards the elevated green beneath the clubhouse.