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5 Best Golf Courses In Aberdeen

5 Best Golf Courses in Aberdeen

How We Picked

Golf Course

First, we reviewed the quality and upkeep of each golf course so that players would know what to expect.

Prestige

We also looked into the reputation of each golf course, as well as its accreditations/recognitions.

Facilities

We also reviewed the amenities that go with each golf course to let players know which ones can add value to their tee time.

Prices

Lastly, we checked out the fees in each golf course to help players prepare their budget.

Murcar Links Golf Club's Homepage

Website: https://murcarlinks.com/

Address: Murcar, Bridge of Don AB23 8BD, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 1224 704354

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 8 AM–6:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM–7 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM–6:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM–7 PM
  • Fri-Sun: 8 AM–6:30 PM
Google reviews score4.7/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.8/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.83/5
Golf Course Quality4/5
→Quality3/5
→Upkeep5/5
Prestige5/5
→Reputation5/5
→Accreditations/Recognitions5/5
Facilities5/5
Prices(A higher score means better value)3.5/5

Pros

  • Established in 1909
  • Host club for the 2021 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship
  • No. 96 in Golf Monthly/s Top 100 golf courses
  • 47th in Scotland’s Top 100 Courses in 2019 by the National Club Golfer
  • Offers life memberships
  • Has three practice facilities 
  • Has a clubhouse catered by Rusty Putter Catering

Cons

  • Lacks memorable holes
  • Comparatively a bit pricier 

Established in 1909, we think Murcar Links Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in Aberdeen. In fact, this 18-hole course was even the host club for the 2021 Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship.

We are impressed by the rankings they achieved. They are no. 96 in Golf Monthly/s Top 100 Golf Courses and 47th in Scotland’s Top 100 Courses in 2019 by the National Club Golfer.

For golf fanatics, you’d be happy to know that they offer lifetime memberships. However, this is limited, so do contact them right away if you want to be considered.

Unlike other golf courses, they actually have three practice facilities. Beginners would be happy to know that they have an all-grass driving range with covered bays, a short game area, and a three-hole pitch and putt course.

For players who’d like to eat after a game, they could dine at the clubhouse, which is catered by Rusty Putter Catering. They have an extensive day-to-day menu, as well as promos such as Fresh Fish Fridays, Saturday Night Steaks, and Sundays Roasts.

Sadly, this golf course lacks memorable holes. Those who are looking for more of a challenge might need to try another golf course.

They are also comparatively pricier. For instance, a Murcar 5 Day package would set you back £723 while this is cheaper in other golf courses.

2. Balnagask Golf Course

Balnagask Golf Course's Homepage

Website: https://www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/venues/balnagask-golf-course/

Address: St Fitticks Rd, Torry, Aberdeen AB11 8TN, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 1224 507764

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 6 AM-8 PM

Google reviews score4.6/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.46/5
Golf Course Quality3.5/5
→Quality3/5
→Upkeep4/5
Prestige4/5
→Reputation4/5
→Accreditations/Recognitions4/5
Facilities4/5
Prices(A higher score means better value)5/5

Pros

  • Widely acknowledged as one of the best municipal 18-hole courses in Scotland
  • Offers breathtaking views
  • Also has fitness venues, tennis courts and swimming pools
  • Tee times can be booked online
  • Competitively priced golf memberships
  • Also has a practice course

Cons

  • Very exposed to the elements
  • Course layout is a bit hilly
  • Only 1 buggy and 1 hand cart may be available

Widely acknowledged as one of the best municipal 18-hole courses in Scotland, Balnagask Golf Course is certainly worth a visit. Since they are located at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour, players can enjoy the breathtaking coastal and harbour views.

On top of this, players also have access to a multitude of amenities. These include  fitness venues, tennis courts, and even swimming pools!

For the customers’ added convenience, tee times can be booked online. With only a few clicks of a button, you can book your desired time and day.

Compared to other golf courses, they also offer competitively-priced golf memberships. For instance, a monthly adult membership is priced at £29.50 per month plus a pro rata payment.

For those who are just starting to dip their toes in this sport, they have a practice course you can try. Their nine-hole, pitch and putt course will help players enhance their game before tackling their 18-hole course.

Unfortunately, due to its location, this course is very exposed to the elements. When it’s windy, players might find the course a bit challenging.

It also has a hilly terrain, meaning players with walking disabilities might find this course hard to navigate.

Also, if you are planning to rent a buggy or hand cart, do call ahead and check if these are available.

3.  Craibstone Golf

Craibstone Golf's Homepage

Website: https://www.marshall-leisure.co.uk/

Address: Aberdeen AB21 9SX, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 1224 716777

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30 AM-3 PM

Google reviews score4.6/5
Golfshake reviews score4/5
Score consistency4.8/5
Total Reviews4.46/5
Golf Course Quality4/5
→Quality5/5
→Upkeep3/5
Prestige4/5
→Reputation4/5
→Accreditations/Recognitions4/5
Facilities5/5
Prices(A higher score means better value)3.5/5

Pros

  • Established in 2011
  • Great bistro with an all-day breakfast menu available
  • Has a short game practice facility
  • Has golf buggies for hire
  • Also has Powakaddy FX5 with Built in Course Sat Nav Trolleys
  • Large changing rooms with showers

Cons

  • A bit apricey
  • Golf course lacks maintenance

In March 2011, Marshall Leisure was formed by Charles Marshall, a local businessman, to run and operate Craibstone Golf Course. Since then, it has become one of the go-to golf courses in Aberdeen.

For those who want a nice meal before or after their tee time, you’d be happy to know about their bistro, which serves great food. It even has an all-day breakfast menu available.

For beginners and those who want to improve, they have a short game practice facility, which is open to the public. You can work on your game from their eight bays or use one of their three full-sized greens and various bunkers.

Speaking of full-sized greens, you can also rent one of their golf buggies to get around. This is a great option for those with walking disabilities.

Aside from golf buggies, one can also rent a Powakaddy FX5 with built-in Course Sat Nav Trolley. This is faster and sturdier than your regular golf buggy.

After working up a sweat, you can also use one of their large changing rooms with showers. This is great for players who need to go somewhere else after their game.

Comparatively, however, this course is a bit pricier. For gents, a Full 7-Day Access would set you back £799 while the same access is cheaper in other courses.

Also, their golf courses lack maintenance. Players have complained about their course looking a bit unruly, with the grass being too long.

4. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club's Homepage

Website: http://www.royalaberdeengolf.com/

Address: Links Rd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 1224 702571

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Tue: 8:30 AM–8 PM
  • Wed-Thurs: 8 AM–7:30 PM 
  • Friday: 8:30 AM–8 PM
  • Sat-Sun: 8 AM–6 PM
Google reviews score4.7/5
Tripadvisor reviews score4.5/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.73/5
Golf Course Quality5/5
→Quality5/5
→Upkeep5/5
Prestige5/5
→Reputation5/5
→Accreditations/Recognitions5/5
Facilities5/5
Prices(A higher score means better value)3/5

Pros

  • Founded in 1780 and said to be the sixth oldest golf club in the world
  • Club’s ‘Royal’ patronage awarded by Edward VII in 1903
  • Hosted many of the world’s top golfing events 
  • Clubhouse has high-quality catering
  • Also offers a formal lounge, dining room, a casual lounge, and a dining area
  • Members play both Silverburn and the Championship Course

Cons

  • 25% non returnable deposit is required
  • Slightly pricey

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780, and it claims to be the sixth oldest golf club in the world. If you want the royal treatment, then this golf course would be your best bet.

The Club’s ‘Royal’ patronage was awarded by Edward VII in 1903, which we think is quite impressive. Not all golf clubs have this distinction.

Speaking of impressive, this club also hosted many of the world’s top golfing events. Some examples are the Walker Cup 2011, the Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open 2014, and the Amateur Championship 2018. 

Another thing that sets them apart is the top-notch catering in their clubhouse. Their players and members can’t seem to stop raving about their delicious meals.

Aside from the food, the clubhouse also has several amenities that players can enjoy. It also has a formal lounge, a dining room, a casual lounge, and a dining area.

If the player wishes to play both the Silverburn and the Championship Course, they can do so. All they need to do is make an arrangement with Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, which we think is quite convenient.

For tee bookings, however, a 25% non returnable deposit is required unlike other golf courses.

Also, due to the club’s Royal title, the membership and green fees here are a bit pricier compared to the other golf clubs.

Kings Links Golf Course's Homepage

Website: https://www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/venues/kings-links-golf-course/

Address: Golf Rd, Aberdeen AB24 5QB, United Kingdom

Contact Details:  +44 1224 507767

Operating Hours:

  • Mon-Fri: 6 AM–8 PM
  • Sat-Sun: 6 AM–6 PM
Google reviews score4.2/5
Golf Now reviews score4.3/5
Score consistency5/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Golf Course Quality3/5
→Quality3/5
→Upkeep3/5
Prestige4.5/5
→Reputation5/5
→Accreditations/Recognitions4/5
Facilities4/5
Prices(A higher score means better value)4/5

Pros

  • Established in 1872
  • Classic 18-hole links course 
  • Offers refreshing sea views
  • Can choose between Season Membership or Pay As You Play
  • Also features a 1,273-yard six-hole course for beginners 
  • Has special rates for students, juniors and those eligible for discounted access
  • Has a clubhouse, locker rooms, a bar, and a restaurant

Cons

  • Surface is sandy and a little rough
  • Reports of players having a hard time finding the tees

Established in 1872, the Kings Links Golf Course has become one of the premier golf courses in Aberdeen.

It is a classic 18-hole links course, described as “golf in the raw.” Due to its location, we think players would love its amazing sea views and refreshing breezes.

For the undecided, players can choose between Season Membership or Pay As You Play. They even offer five-day and seven-day memberships, for those planning to take a short golfing vacation.

For those who love practising golf, they have a 1,273-yard, six-hole course for beginners. We think this is worth trying out by yourself or with friends.

We appreciate this club having special rates for students, juniors, and those eligible for discounted access. This will certainly help people save a lot of money.

Aside from their courses, the club also has a clubhouse, locker rooms, a bar, and a restaurant. Players can certainly make a day of it in this venue since they have almost everything.

As for the golf course, it was a tad too sandy and rough compared to other golf courses. Beginners might want a lot of practice first before trying their full course.

Also, players have reported that they had a hard time finding the tees due to lack of signage. There were no directions to indicate where a player goes next, so they were apparently a bit frustrated.

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