Scotland is known world-wide as the home of golf, and there are few places more beautiful in the world to enjoy this native sport than among Aberdeenshire’s undulating green hills and sandy beaches.
The Scots starting pushing pebbles around sand dunes and rabbit runs with sticks as early as 1497, and it’s easy to see why the contemporary version of the sport remains popular 6 centuries on. Golfers fly in from around the world and contribute £220 million in tourism each year enjoying Scotland’s 550 courses. With Aberdeenshire alone boasting 55 of them, it would be a shame not to make the most of the opportunities on your doorstep.
Coastal courses
Aberdeenshire’s coast which is dotted with coastal cliffs, powdery sand and rolling sand dunes offers up some of the world’s most challenging links courses. And even if you’re a golf novice, the panoramic views and stunning sandscapes are guaranteed to make for a memorable experience. You won’t have to head far from your home in Fraser Studios to enjoy some coastal courses, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is 11 minutes away while the Kings Links Golf Course can be reached in an 8 minute drive.
National Parks
Braemar, the UK’s highest golf course, is located 58 miles west of Aberdeen on the edges of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Situated 339 metres above sea level, the village of Braemar is also home to a castle dating back to 1628 and is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, hunting and snow sports.
Historic courses
Aberdeenshire is home to two of the 10 oldest golf courses in the world, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Course being opened in 1780 and Fraserburgh being established in 1777. Fraserburgh describes itself as having a ‘good old fashioned traditional links layout’, offering ‘a genuine slice of real Scottish history’. If you fancy golfing like a royal, the 9-hole course in the grounds of the Queen’s summer retreat at Balmoral is now open to corporate bookings in the summer months, when not reserved exclusively for royal use.
Whether you are a newbie or a pro, Aberdeenshire is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and interesting places in the world to enjoy a game of golf. The hills, rivers, forests, castles and beaches on Aberdeen’s doorstep create a variety of dynamic courses for you to explore from your base in the city.
