royalaberdeen

At number six in the Golf League on antiquity Royal Aberdeen should be better known in the world of golf. A club founded as far back as 1780, and one of the most challenging of all Scottish links. There is little doubt that golf was played on these links more than 200 years, the official ballot box bearing the 1780 date.

Royal Aberdeen's credentials are well established and a visit to the course soon confirms its other credentials, as one of the most testing and spectacular courses in Scotland. It would be difficult to find a better front nine on any links course in the whole of Britain, 400 yards longer than the home nine, the opening nine holes are nothing short of superb. A 400 yard plus par 4 opening hole, followed immediately by a classic three-shotter, of 530 yard par 5 should reinforce the point that this is a 'Man-Size' golf course which is not interested in taking any prisoners. If you were thinking that the third hole a par 3 should offer a little sanctuary, think again, at 223 yards this is your chance to blow a medal round, before it's really started!.

The majestic front nine winds it's way to the turn with a couple of good two-shot holes, one of them a short but dangerous par 5 testing enough, a pleasant short Iron and bludgeoning 453 yard par 4, that completes a testing, but rewarding outward nine. The return journey back to the Old Clubhouse maybe shorter in length, but played into the wind, feels much longer than its 3300 yards which the score card assures us it is. The short 11th is a test of nerve and the absence of a par 5 makes the back nine par of 34 a stiff challenge.

Royal Aberdeen was granted its 'Royal' status in 1903, King Edward VII granting the club's petition 'to use the Royal title'. In 1925 James Braid, five times Open champion, visited the club, suggesting a number of alteration to improve the layout. Not all of Braid's suggestions were implemented as the club did not want the link's remodeled, but merely refined. Having hosted many important tournaments over the years including the British Seniors Open, Northern Open, and the Scottish Amateur Championship Royal Aberdeen has more than proved itself.

If you decide on Royal Aberdeen as one of your stopovers, you'll be itching to return to one of the top links that Scotland has to offer.