If you’re counting down to an Expedition to Northeast Scotland and the golf courses near Aberdeen, more than likely your itinerary includes the likes of Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay Golf Club. And rightfully so.
For understandable reasons, most golf travelers desire to play The Open Championship venues and the other bucket-list golf courses of the British Isles. When deciding where to play golf in Scotland, those who are willing to include some less-heralded golf courses often find an equal, and sometimes more enjoyable, experience compared to some of the marquee names.
Like the rest of the great regions for golf in Scotland, the Aberdeen area is home to numerous off the beaten path golf courses that are worthy of a place on your itinerary. Here are just a few favorites among the H&B Forces.
Stonehaven
Just a mid-iron from the ruins of Dunnottar Castle – the hiding place of the Scottish crown jewels during the invasion of Oliver Cromwell – Stonehaven Golf Club traverses the cliff-tops south of Aberdeen in similar fashion as the medieval fortress. Although it measures at barely over 5000 yards, what Stonehaven lacks in distance it more than makes up for in spectacular views of the North Sea. The holes twist, turn, climb, and fall over the cliffs in a manner that might resemble a Florida theme park more than a Scottish links. The end result is a collection of delightful holes, memorable vistas, and an experience that deserves more acclaim among Aberdeen golf courses.
Credit: Visit Aberdeenshire
Murcar Links
The Murcar Links Golf Club was formed in 1909 and designed by Archie Simpson, head professional at neighboring Royal Aberdeen. Five-time Open champion James Braid made revisions in the 1930s, yet much of the links is unchanged from Simpson’s original design. Like every course on this list, Murcar has spent much of its history overshadowed by its illustrious neighbor, yet it also has much in common with Royal Aberdeen. Most notably, an outward nine which ranks among the finest in Scotland. When it comes to Aberdeen golf courses, those looking to enjoy a 36-hole day will find this duo is difficult to top.
Credit: Visit Aberdeenshire
Peterhead
Founded in 1841, Peterhead Golf Club is approximately 30 miles north of Aberdeen in a little fishing village roughly 100 miles from the nearest Open Championship venue. Two-time Open champion Willie Park, Jr. designed the original course, with later alterations by Archie Simpson and James Braid. As the 18th oldest golf club in the world, Peterhead boasts a heritage that would rival some of Scotland’s notable clubs. It also promises an enjoyable experience for the golf traveler in search of the lesser-known golf courses near Aberdeen. When the day is done, you’re likely to agree with acclaimed golf writer Jim Finegan who noted that Peterhead is “filled with good golf and great fun.”
Credit: Visit Aberdeenshire
Fraserburgh
The Fraserburgh Golf Club can trace its roots to 1777, making it the 7th oldest golf club in the world. The club moved to its present location in 1891 where, once again, James Braid crafted what many regard as the finest links golf course of his illustrious architecture career. Yet despite its rich heritage and exceptional links, Fraserburgh finds itself overshadowed by the trophy Aberdeen area golf courses like Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen. For the traveling golfer who veers just off the well worn path, the handsome reward at Fraserburgh is a quintessential links golf experience among the best near Aberdeen.
Credit: Visit Aberdeenshire
Duff House Royal
Although Aberdeen and Northeast Scotland is best known for its links golf courses, the parkland choices are just as great. Perhaps the best example is Duff House Royal. After the course was converted to farmland during the Great War, Dr. Alister MacKenzie was hired to redesign Duff House Royal as we know it today. The course occupies a beautiful piece of property along the River Deveron, which comes into play on several holes. And while it is not a seaside links, Duff House Royal is close enough to Banff Bay that the wind is an ever present nuisance. With Alister MacKinzie golf courses few and far between, Duff House Royal provides an enjoyable opportunity for traveling golfers to experience his work first-hand.
Credit: Duff House Royal
Cullen Links
Between Fraserburgh and Moray is a golf course that must be seen to be believed. Cullen Links plays to a par-63, measures only 4600 yards, and boasts no less than ten par-3s on the scorecard. The course as a whole is truly delightful, but the main attraction at Cullen Links is found at the heart of the course. Holes 11 through 13 play around towering red stone formations that seem more appropriate for the Grand Canyon than the British Isles.
As you’ll see in the exceptional video above by Cookie Jar Golf, there’s truly nothing else like it in Scotland – maybe the world. The only way to see Cullen Links and the rest of these courses for yourself is to venture off the beaten path while in Aberdeen. Our Expedition Planning Managers will lead the way.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Scotland, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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