Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city, seamlessly combines the charm of history with the vibrancy of modern life. 

This ‘Granite City’, famous for its silver buildings, is nestled between the River Dee and the North Sea, offering breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. 

But Aberdeen’s charm extends far beyond its architectural wonders and natural beauty. It is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, boasting a rich tradition of the sport and some of the best golf courses in Scotland. 

This article will take you through some of the top golf courses in Aberdeen, each one offering a unique golfing experience you won’t soon forget.

The best golf courses in Aberdeen

All the golf courses below are reachable from the centre of Aberdeen within half an hours drive.

1. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

📌 Location: Links Rd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AT | 💷 Green fees: from £95

Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. Its prestigious Balgownie Course, considered one of the top links courses in Britain, meanders through an expanse of coastal land that’s laced with towering sand dunes. 

This front nine is particularly renowned as one of the finest in golf, with its outwards holes poised spectacularly along the North Sea coastline. 

Coupled with this, its tight gorse-lined fairways and challenging deep bunkers demand precision and strategic thinking. Put simply, a Royal Aberdeen is a must on any golf trip to the area!

2. Trump International Scotland

📌 Location: Balmedie, Aberdeen AB23 8YE | 💷 Green fees: from £195

Opening in July 2012, Trump International Scotland is a 7,400-yard, par-72 championship golf course, designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree.

Whilst the creation of the golf course was somewhat controversial, the ranking of the links amongst some of the best in the world is not! 

Set amongst towering sand dunes lined with fescue rough, it makes for a spectacular setting for a game of golf. Occasionally, there’s a break in the dunes to provide incredible views of the North Sea.

If the rough doesn’t catch you out, the deep pot bunkers and undulating greens may do. Overall it provides an immersive Scottish links golf experience. 

3. Murcar Links Golf Club

📌 Location: Murcar, Bridge of Don AB23 8BD | 💷 Green fees: from £140

Just 10 minutes from the centre of Aberdeen, Murcar Links Golf Club provides a traditional Scottish golfing experience, with its well-maintained green and strategic bunkering. 

The 6,545-yard, par-71 course, designed by Archie Simpson and revised by James Braid, is a real test of golfing skill. It’s described as “not for the beginner or the faint hearted”!

So much so, it’s been selected to hold prestigious events such as the Scottish Men’s Amateur Championship and European Tour Events. 

4. Hazelhead Golf Club

📌 Location: Hazlehead, Aberdeen AB15 8BD | 💷 Green fees: from £30

Hazelhead Golf Club is the home to three golf courses. The 18-hole MacKenzie Championship Course, the 18-hole Pines Course and a 9-hole Course. 

As the name suggests, the MacKenzie Championship course was designed by famous golf architect Dr Alister MacKenzie. 

It’s a mature, tree-lined parkland course with tight fairways and quick greens. Each hole offers a unique challenge, with varying lengths and layouts that test your entire game.

5. Deeside Golf Club

📌 Location: Golf Rd, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9DL | 💷 Green fees: from £60

Set on the banks of the River Dee, Deeside Golf Club has been one of the best inland golf courses in Scotland since it was founded in 1903. 

The Haughton Course, redesigned by James Braid, features a series of challenging holes, many of which require careful approach shots to well-protected greens. A particular highlight is the par-3 16th hole, named ‘Braid’s Choice.’

6. Newmachar Golf Club

📌 Location: Swailend, Newmachar, Aberdeen AB21 7UU | 💷 Green fees: from £40

Newmachar Golf Club is home to two mature 18-hole golf courses, The Hawkshill Championship Course and Swailend. 

The Hawkshill course is a true championship course measuring in at 6,573 yards. A beautiful heathland style layout, it features several water hazards and well-placed bunkers, providing a tough challenge for all golfers. 

A little shorter at 6,323 yards, the Swailend is built to the same high standards, but a little more forgiving. It features wider fairways, but well positioned bunkers are there to catch out any offline shots.

7. Newburgh On Ythan Golf Club

📌 Location: Beach Rd, Newburgh, Ellon AB41 6BY | 💷 Green fees: from £70

15 miles north of Aberdeen, you’ll find Newburgh On Ythan Golf Club. Set on the North Sea coast, the golf course offers stunning views of the Ythan Estuary, the North Sea, and the Grampian Mountains. 

Whilst the club was founded in 1888, its two loops of nine offer something different and a unique layout. 

The front nine was only opened in 1994, and has a more modern fee, but contains holes such as the 4th which are immediate candidates amongst the best holes in Scottish Golf. The back nine in contrast has a more mature traditional links layout and is truly a hidden gem of Scottish Links Golf. 

Final Thoughts

By exploring these stunning golf courses, you can truly experience the rich golfing tradition and scenic beauty that Aberdeen has to offer. 

Each course brings its unique challenges and charm, making Aberdeen a premier golfing destination.

If you want to search and compare more golf courses in the area, you can check out our directory of all the golf courses in Aberdeenshire, or courses in East Scotland. Otherwise, we’ll leave you with our recommended picks below. 

• Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
• Trump International Scotland
• Murcar Links Golf Club
• Hazlehead Golf Club
• Deeside Golf Club
• Newmachar Golf Club
• Newburgh On Ythan Golf Club