Golf Courses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

The northeast of Scotland offers visitors an incredible range of golfing experiences. From the historic Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, the sixth oldest in the world, to the challenging links of Cruden Bay, there are more than 50 classic courses to choose from in Aberdeenshire.

Many of these courses have a long history, with some dating back over 100 years, reflecting Aberdeenshire's rich golfing heritage. Avid Golfers can enjoy a range of challenges on the region's courses, including traditional seaside links and inland parkland courses, and take advantage of the many fantastic clubhouses, often with great Scottish whisky on offer. Experience Scotland golf packages to the top courses in Aberdeenshire and beyond.

The Aberdeen area also boasts beautiful scenery and history everywhere, with ancient castles and standing stones dotted all over the landscape. After a day on some of the finest golf courses in the world, why not have a night out in Aberdeen?

A list of golf courses in Aberdeenshire, north east Scotland

Aboyne Golf Club

Aboyne Golf Club is a long-established 18-hole course located in the rolling countryside north of the village of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. The course provides a challenging and varied round for golfers of all abilities, featuring parkland fairways, heathland hazards, and water hazards such as the Aboyne Loch. There are two practice areas for a short game available for members and visitors. The clubhouse offers excellent facilities and a warm welcome, with panoramic views from the upstairs lounge or balcony.

Tel: 01339 886328
Aboyne Golf Club Website
Email: aboynegolfclub@btconnect.com

Aboyne Loch Golf Centre

Aboyne Loch Golf Centre is a pay-to-play facility open to all skill levels, featuring a range of par 3, 4, and 5 holes. There are two 9-hole courses and a driving range for practice. The course is on a south-facing hillside on the shores of the Loch of Aboyne, surrounded by beautiful scenery, including views of Aboyne Loch, Glentanar, Mount Keen, and Clachnaben. The forests of Queens Hill and Mortlich to the north protect the course.

Tel: 01339 886444
Aboyne Loch Golf Centre Website
Email: info@thelodgeontheloch.com

Alford Golf Club

A 5483-yard parkland course set amid castle and whisky country, Alford Golf Club offers a challenging and enjoyable round for golfers of all levels. Surrounded by the hills of Donside with Bennachie on the horizon, the relatively flat course requires careful club selection for a satisfying round.

Tel: 01975 562178
Alford Golf Club Website

Auchenblae Golf Course

Auchenblae is a nine-hole course in rural Aberdeenshire, easily accessible from the A90. The course boasts beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and is known for its small, challenging greens. It is a popular destination in the summer months and offers a challenging round for golfers of all levels. The course record of 60 is a notable achievement.

Tel: 01561 320002
Auchenblae Golf Course Website
Email: auchenblaegolf@gmail.com

Auchmill Golf Club

Auchmill Golf Course, located in Aberdeen City, was created by three renowned figures in the golfing world: Ryder Cup player Neil Coles, top British golfer Brian Hugget, and course architect Rodger Dyer. Originally a nine-hole course, it was later expanded to 18 holes, each named after one of the designers. The course offers a thrilling challenge to even the most skilled golfers, situated on elevated land with stunning views of Aberdeen and its airport.

Tel: 01224 715214
Auchmill Golf Club Website
Email: amg-club@outlook.com

Ballindalloch Castle Golf Club

The round at Ballater Golf Club begins on high ground, offering beautiful views of the Highlands. The course then drops dramatically with a thrilling par 5 and continues with a spectacular short hole featuring a green close to the River Avon, followed by another challenging par 4. The round ends with a tough finishing hole after a short climb. The course boasts nine championship-quality greens and 18 tees, with a par of 72.

Why not visit the spectacular castle and gardens too?

Tel: 01807 500305
Ballindalloch Castle Golf Club Website
Email: enquiries@ballindallochcastle.co.uk

Balnagask Golf Club

Balnagask Golf Course, located within a nature conservation area on the small Balnagask headland, offers a unique and inspiring round of golf amidst 18 historical and archaeological sites, including the 1833 lighthouse designed by Robert Stevenson. With exceptional views of Aberdeen Harbour, the course is considered one of the best municipal courses in Scotland. The adjacent nine-hole pitch and putt layout is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick game.

Tel: 01224 507764
Balnagask Golf Club Website

Ballater Golf Club

Ballater Golf Club was founded in 1892 as a nine-hole course. In 1906, a match between famous golfers James Braid and Harry Vardon was held to celebrate the construction of a pavilion and the course's expansion to 18 holes. Set in the stunning Upper Deeside region, the slightly undulating, medium-length course offers several holes located near the River Dee and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Despite its beauty, the course can be challenging, with several water hazards.

Tel: 01339 755567
Ballater Golf Club Website
Email: sec@ballatergolfclub.co.uk

Banchory Golf Club

Banchory Golf Course, founded in 1905 to serve the village of Banchory, has grown and recently undergone extensive remodelling by renowned Scottish golf course architect John Souter. Set above the beautiful River Dee, the par 18-hole course offers a challenging round for golfers of all levels, with strategically placed bunkers, mature native trees, and the "magnetic" River Dee serving as obstacles.

Tel: 01330 822447
Banchory Golf Club Website
Email: proshop@banchorygolfclub.co.uk

Cruden Bay Golf Club

Cruden Bay Golf Club, a classic Scottish links course, impresses nearly every player with its 6395-yard layout. Despite its moderate length, the course is no pushover and requires imagination and strategy rather than just big drives and high approaches. Every hole presents its unique challenge, making for a thoroughly enjoyable round of golf.

Tel: 01779 812285
Cruden Bay Golf Club
Email: bookings@crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

Duff House Royal Golf Club

Duff House Royal Golf Club, founded in 1910 and designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, offers an excellent course with large, two-tiered greens and beautiful parkland terrain bounded by the River Deveron. With well-positioned bunkers and trees, the course presents a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities. Its proximity to the sea and lack of rough make it a severe but enjoyable test of golf.

Tel: 01261 812062
Duff House Royal Website
Email: info@duffhouseroyal.com

Dunecht House Golf Club

Dunecht House is a country estate in Skene, located just outside Aberdeen. It is home to a charming nine-hole wooded park that was established in 1925. This course challenges golfers of all skill levels, with a total length of 6,270 yards for 18 holes.

You'll be treated to stunning views of the local Aberdeenshire landscape as you play. Note that visitors can only play with a member, so connect with the locals if you want to tee off at Dunecht House.

Tel: 01330 860223
Dunecht House Golf Club
Email: dhgcsecretary@btinternet.com

Ellon Golf Club

McDonald Golf Club in Ellon is a scenic 18-hole parkland course located in the countryside of Aberdeenshire, just 16 miles north of Aberdeen. The course was gifted by Sir James McDonald to the people of Ellon in 1926 and features a natural stream on almost every hole of the original nine-hole course, which winds through a beautiful forest with stately trees and rhododendron bushes. It offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

Tel: 01358 722891
Website: Ellon Golf Club Website

Fraserburgh Golf Club

Fraserburgh Golf Club, founded in 1777, is home to two courses located in the far Northeast of Scotland: the Corbiehill, an 18-hole championship links designed by James Braid, and the Rosehill, a nine-hole course. The club's present location, the Philorth links, was established in 1891. Both courses offer a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience, with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Corbiehill's third tee, in particular, is known for its stunning vistas.

Tel: 01346 516616
Fraserburgh Golf Club Website
Email: bookings@fraserburghgolfclub.org

Inverallochy Golf Club

Inverallochy Golf Club is a hidden gem on the coast of Northeast Scotland. This 18-hole links course boasts breathtaking views of the sea from every hole. Despite being a relatively short course at 5,370 yards, with six par 3s, it still poses a challenging test for golfers of all skill levels. The traditional links layout means that the wind direction heavily influences the play of each hole.

Tel: 01346 582000
Inverallochy Golf Club Website
Email: inverallochygolf@btconnect.com

Inverurie Golf Club

The parkland course at Inverurie Golf Club is a challenging but enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities. Built on the slopes of Davah Hill, the course features two nines of contrasting designs. The first nine, located on open parkland, have wide fairways that may deceive players into a false sense of security. However, the back nine features narrow, tree-lined fairways and gorse that can catch stray shots. There are no water hazards, but well-placed bunkers and small, undulating greens provide a test for even the most skilled players. The final holes, from 14 to 18, present a tough finish, so be prepared for a challenging finish.

Tel: 01467 624080
Inverurie Golf Club Website
Email: admin@inveruriegolfclub.co.uk

Kemnay Golf Club

Kemnay Golf Club is a parkland course that offers a challenging round of golf for players of all abilities. Located just 25 minutes from Aberdeen, the course features a combination of tree-lined and open fairways and measures 6,432 yards from the medal tees. In addition, Kemnay has gained a reputation for being one of the best inland courses in Grampian, thanks to recent developments and its diverse hole characteristics.

Tel: 01467 642225
Kemnay Golf Club Website
Email: administrator@kemnaygolfclub.co.uk

Kintore Golf Club

Located just a short drive from the city of Aberdeen, Kintore Golf Club is a heathland course that spans a wide area of land, from the Don Basin near the clubhouse to mature woodland on the perimeter. Known for its good drainage, the course rarely experiences weather-related closures. Since 1990, Kintore has undergone significant tree planting, which is now beginning to enhance the course's visual appeal. Golfers of all levels will enjoy Kintore's moderate to manageable challenge.

Tel: 01467 632631
Kintore Golf Club Website
Email: admin@kintoregolfclub.net

Kirriemuir Golf Club

Kirriemuir Golf Club, designed by James Braid, is located at the base of the Angus Glens and offers a challenging and visually stunning round of golf for players of all abilities. The fairways and greens are impeccably maintained and set amidst a mature parkland setting, with breathtaking views of the surrounding glens. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this course will provide a memorable golfing experience.

Tel: 01575 573317
Website: Kirriemuir Golf Club Website
Email: enquiries@kirriemuirgolfclub.co.uk

Meldrum House Golf Club

Meldrum House Golf Course, located within the stunning grounds of a 13th-century baronial mansion, offers a challenging parkland experience designed by Graeme Webster. The course boasts high-quality greens and excellent practice facilities, making it a top choice for those looking to improve their game. Set in a picturesque natural setting, the course's large, contoured greens provide a range of challenging pin positions.

Tel: 01651 873553
Meldrum House Golf Club Website
Email: reception@meldrumhouse.com

Murcar Links Golf Club

Murcar is a highly regarded links course located 5 miles north of Aberdeen. It has a par of 71 and a standard scratch of 72 and has hosted numerous amateur and professional tournaments. Designed by Archie Simpson and later refined by James Braid, the course boasts challenging short holes, including the 162-yard fifth, which shares characteristics with Royal Troon's famous Postage Stamp.

Tel: 01224 704354
Murcar Links Golf Website
Email: golf@murcarlinks.com

Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club

Newburgh on Ythan Golf Club is a Championship Links course located at the mouth of the River Ythan, just two miles from Trump International Golf Links. Founded in 1888, it boasts undulating hills, elevated tees and greens, and a traditional Scottish links experience.

The inward nine is known for its accuracy requirements and the course as a whole plays at 6423 yards with a par of 72. Its greens are renowned for their quality, and the club is open for play almost every day of the year, thanks to its weather-resistant layout. In 2001, the clubhouse was opened by Paul Lawrie, winner of the British Open.

Tel: 01358 789 058
Newburgh Golf Club Website
Email: clubmanager@newburghgolfclub.co.uk

Newmachar Golf Club

Newmachar Hawkshill is a challenging links course located just 15 minutes from Aberdeen. Designed by Dave Thomas, it has hosted the Scottish Seniors Championship and has been compared to Gleneagles King's and Blairgowrie's Rosemount by travel writers. Water comes into play on several holes, making accuracy key. With its tough, memorable design, this course is not to be underestimated.

Tel: 01651 863002
Newmachar Golf Club Website
Email: kiefer@newmachargolfclub.co.uk

Oldmeldrum Golf Club

Oldmeldrum Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole parkland course in Aberdeenshire, known for its expansive views and challenging play. The course, which has a par of 70 and measures 6,000 yards, features small and tricky greens that require precision from the tee and a skilled short game. Golf has been played at Oldmeldrum for over a century, and the course was expanded from nine to 18 holes in the late 1980s.

Tel: 01651 872648
Oldmeldrum Golf Club Website
Email: admin@oldmeldrumgolf.co.uk

Peterculter Golf Club

Peterculter Golf Club, located along the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, offers stunning views of the Grampian Mountains and the surrounding valley. Established in 1989, this course follows the riverbank's natural contours and showcases the Scottish landscape's breathtaking beauty. With a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels, this mature parkland course provides a memorable golfing experience.

Tel: 01224 734994
Peterculter Golf Club Website
Email: info@petercultergolfclub.co.uk

Peterhead Golf Club

Peterhead Golf Club, founded in 1841, is home to one of Scotland's premier links courses. Situated along the dunes overlooking the North Sea and the River Ugie, this 18-hole course offers a challenging and breathtakingly beautiful golfing experience. The club, the 18th oldest in the world, also features a 9-hole New Course, perfect for a warm-up round before tackling the Old Course.

Tel: 01779 472149
Peterhead Golf Club
Email: clubmanager@peterheadgolfclub.co.uk

Portlethen Golf Club

Portlethen Golf Course, designed by Donald Steel, is a challenging parkland layout located in the town of Portlethen. Opened in 1990, the course features a mix of natural features and strategic design, with the par 5 fourth hole requiring careful planning and the signature 15th hole featuring a right-to-left dogleg and a downhill approach shot over the Findhorn burn. With its picturesque setting and demanding holes, Portlethen offers a memorable golfing experience for players of all levels.

Tel: 01224 781090
Portlethen Golf Club Website
Email: admin@portlethengolfclub.com

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Balgownie Links is a challenging and historic course that has attracted top players throughout its long history. With a difficult 18th hole and plenty of trouble waiting for those who stray from the fairway, it is a true test of links golf.

Tel: 01224 702571
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Email: reservations@royalaberdeengolf.com

Royal Tarlair Golf Club

Located in the town of Macduff, Banff Golf Club boasts stunning panoramic views of the coastline and is just a short distance from the village of Pennan, made famous by the film "Local Hero." The clifftop parkland course offers a challenging round, with the famous 13th hole, "The Clivet," and high-quality greens. International golfers can join the club as members and experience this course firsthand.

Tel: 01261 832897
Royal Tarlair Golfclub Website
Email: royaltarlairgc@gmail.com

Spey Bay Golf Club

Spey Bay Golf Course, designed by Ben Sayers, is a stunning links course situated along the coast with long stretches of beach and various flora lining the fairways. Although the beach and shingle may not come into play for most players, the small, elevated green on the eighth hole poses a unique challenge. With a variety of terrain and the need for strategic thinking on each hole, Spey Bay offers a memorable and challenging round of golf.

Tel: 01343 820 424
Spey Bay Golf Club Website
Email: info@speybay.co

Tarland Golf Club

Tarland Golf Course is a 9-hole parkland course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. The course offers a range of obstacles to overcome at 5900 yards, with a standard scratch score of 68 for men (71 for ladies). The course is also known for its wide variety of wildlife, with sightings of soaring buzzards on the 5th fairway not uncommon.

Tel: 01339 881000
Tarland Golf Club Website
Email: secretary@tarlandgolfclub.co.uk

Trump International Golf Links

Trump International Golf Links, located in Aberdeenshire, is a world-class course designed by Martin Hawtree and set amidst the stunning "Great Dunes of Scotland." Opened in 2012, the course has already gained a reputation for its challenging layout and impeccable maintenance. From the par-3 13th to the par-4 14th, every hole is a testament to the area's natural beauty and golfing prowess. With views of the North Sea and a reputation for hosting high-profile tournaments, Trump International Golf Links is a must-play for golfers visiting Scotland.

Tel: 01358 743300
Trump International Website

Turriff Golf Club

Established in 1896 and expanded to 18 holes in 1976, Turriff Golf Club is a well-known parkland course with gorgeous views. Located on the southern banks of the River Deveron, the course's fairways were carefully designed to blend in with the surroundings. While two holes, the fifth and ninth, are slightly hilly, the course is generally easy to walk and features mostly level holes close to or parallel to the riverbed. Fishing can also be arranged on the course.

Tel: 01888 562982
Turriff Golf Club Website
Email: turriffgolfclub@gmail.com

Westhill Golf Club

Opened in 1977, Westhill Golf Club is located west of Aberdeen and boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Royal Deeside. Though relatively new, the course has matured well and undergone various improvements, making it a challenging and well-maintained course. The smart clubhouse, with an extensive bar and eclectic menu, adds to the overall experience.

Tel: 01224 740159
Westhill Golf Website
Email: office@westhillgolfclub.co.uk

What is the best golf course in Aberdeenshire?

Consistently ranked among the top 60 golf courses in the world by "Golf Magazine," the 18-hole championship course at Cruden Bay Golf Club in Aberdeenshire is a must-play for any golf enthusiast. Designed by Tom Morris, the course boasts smoothly contoured greens and breathtaking panoramic views, making it an internationally renowned destination.

What are the best golf courses near Aberdeen?

Other than Cruden Bay Golf Club, the top 5 best golf courses in Aberdeenshire are:

1. Trump International Golf Links

2. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

3. Aboyne Golf Club

4. Murcar Golf Club

5. Ballater Golf Club

Although the above courses are very popular, it all depends on what you like, but you are spoilt for choice in Aberdeenshire.

Does Donald Trump have a golf course in Aberdeen?

Yes - located north of Aberdeen, Trump International Links boasts breathtaking views of towering dunes, sprawling valleys, and the rugged coastline of the North Sea. Designed by the esteemed Martin Hawtree, this course is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.

Love or hate the former POTUS; it is a lovely golf course.

Conclusion

Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen offer a wide variety of golf courses to suit all skill levels and preferences for the avid golfer. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual player, the golf courses in the northeast of Scotland will provide an enjoyable and memorable golfing experience.