Before long, golf fans on this side of the pond will take part in one of the great annual traditions of the game. For four days, we will dutifully set our alarm clocks to 4am so as to not miss a minute of coverage from The Open Championship. We’ll wear it as a badge of honor – updating our Facebook status at 4:22am and asking the guys at the office if they saw Tigers shot on #7, which likely took place before dawn.
Come Sunday, us “Open Warriors” are usually a little worn down – the excitement from Thursday now replaced by a sleep deprived haze. For some, the thought of stretching this annual drudgery from one week to two is unimaginable, but if there were ever a reason to do so, it’s the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen. In fact, there’s not just one reason, there’s three.
The Course
The Balgownie links is arguably the most underrated course in all of Scotland – after the world is formally introduced to her during the Scottish Open, chances are that will change. The opening stretch of holes at Royal Aberdeen are nothing short of inspiring, yielding one exhilarating shot after another as the golfer makes their way through the seaside dunes. From the inspiring 3rd through the wee 8th – with 10 bunkers in its 145 yards – one quickly learns why the front nine here ranks among the very best in the world.
Although the inward holes are situated on less inspiring ground, the back nine at Royal Aberdeen should in no way be underestimated. The combination of length, the teeth of the prevailing wind, and stern bunkering makes this the more difficult side, and no doubt the tournament’s champion will feel the full brunt of its challenge come Sunday.
The Field
What started several years ago as a trickle of players using the Scottish Open as a final tune-up for the real deal, has turned into something of a flood of late. This is largely thanks to the Scottish Open’s return to true links style courses, beginning with Castle Stuart in 2011 and continuing with Royal Aberdeen this year. From Rory and Rickie to Phil and Luke, the field at this year’s Scottish Open is the strongest ever. Plus, and with no disrespect to the John Deere Classic, if you’re looking to handicap a winner at Royal Liverpool, you’re better off watching the Scottish Open – the last three Champion Golfers were all in its field.
The History
Perhaps the only thing more unheralded than the course itself is Royal Aberdeen’s illustrious history. The club is the sixth oldest in the world, and the earliest documented mention of a golf hole was of the “Queen’s Hole” on the links of Aberdeen in 1625. This leads some to say that the game may actually have originated here – a claim whose merit is hard to dispute if based on that fact alone.
In addition to its standing as one of the oldest clubs on the planet, some of the great traditions and rules of the game were born at Royal Aberdeen. In 1827, it was decided that members should have a uniform coat to be worn while at the club. In the beginning the coat was green – not unlike that little club down in Georgia – but a few years later red was adopted as its official color. An original coat, as well as the ballot box once used when voting on new members, is proudly displayed in the foyer of the clubhouse. And that “5 minute rule” your buddies cite when searching for your ball during a match? You can thank Royal Aberdeen for that too – it was their idea back in 1783.
An interesting side story to the upcoming Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen is the drama surrounding where the tournament will be played in 2015. The choice seems to be a closely guarded state secret, with Gullane, The Renaissance Club, Dundonald Links and a return to Castle Stuart all being tossed around as possible candidates. Regardless of where the tournament is slated to go next, this year’s edition of the Scottish Open promises to be a great one, much like its historic host.
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