Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 and claims to be the sixth oldest golf club in the world. It was founded as the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, and became the Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815 subsequently receiving royal patronage in 1903. 

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Royal Aberdeen is best known for hosting the 2005 Senior Open Championship, the 2011 Walker Cup Matches, and the European Tour 2014 Scottish Open. 

 

The club moved to its present location at Balgownie Links on the other side of the River Don estuary in 1888.  

 

The course gained its royal patronage from King Edward V11 in 1903 and subsequently changed its name to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

 

The course runs essentially out and back along the North Seashore. The outward nine (which is acknowledged as one of the finest in links golf anywhere in the world) cuts its way through some wonderful dune formation.

 

The inland nine returns south over the flatter plateau.

 

A traditional old Scottish links, it is well-bunkered with undulating fairways.

 

It has an excellent balance of holes, strong par 4's, tricky par 3's and two classic par 5's, with the 8th (signature hole) protected by nine bunkers.

 

The ever-changing wind, tight-protected greens and a magnificent finish makes Balgownie a test for the very best.