ABERDEENSHIRE
Three World Top 100 links headline this region but it is not all about seaside courses – Aberdeenshire has plenty of inland jewels too
Scotland’s north-east corner takes some reaching, but once there you’re blessed with a trio of highoctane options. Trump Aberdeen (1) is golf on a grand scale, the Martin Hawtree links offering a breathtaking journey among dunes unmatched in Scotland. You just have to play it. Then there’s Cruden Bay (2), which continued its rise in our 2022 GB&I ranking from quirky curiosity to GB&I top-20 fixture. Archie Simpson’s design is many people’s favourite rollercoaster. And hot on its heels is Royal Aberdeen (3), which might vie with Machrihanish for the honour of the best front nine in Scotland.
4 MURCAR
Plotted on a classic stretch of linksland next to Royal Aberdeen, This 1909 design by Archie Baird was revised by James Braid and is indubitably GB&I Top 100 class.
5 FRASERBURGH
The bland 1st makes you wonder what the fuss is all about, then it dazzles and enchants you with halfpar holes, benched greens, funky twoshotters and seminal green complexes.
6 DUFF HOUSE ROYAL
A flat, fun (starts with six short par 4s) and manicured parkland in coastal town Banff. Strategic bunkering and two-tiered greens. Opened in 1910, refreshed in 1923 by Alister Mackenzie.
7 PETERHEAD
Willie Park Jnr set down a nine-holer among the dunes in 1892 before it was extended to 18 holes in 1908. Has been a fixture in our Scottish Top 100 for several lists; underrate it at your peril.
8 MELDRUM HOUSE
Country estate resort with a gently undulating, pristine Graeme Webster-designed parkland (1998). Eighteen bunkers guard the green at the long 11th. Members and hotels guests only.
9 NEWMACHAR (HAWKSHILL)
Dave Thomas parkland (1990) which winds between silver birch, pines, water hazards and well-positioned bunkers. Hosted the 1997 Scottish Senior Open and a serious test.
10 ABOYNE
Founded in 1883, it is the oldest club on Royal Deeside. The parkland was shaped by Archie Simpson and Martin Hawtree and received strong backing from our panel ahead of several well-known links.
11 NEWBURGH ON YTHAN
Delightful links on the Ythan Estuary overlooking the North Sea and Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve. Dates back to 1888 but only became 18 in 1996, with an obvious difference between the nines.
12 STONEHAVEN
Incredible value clifftop founded in 1888 beside the main East Coast railway line. ‘Hitler’s Bunker’, found between the first two holes, was created by the Luftwaffe following a 1940 bombing raid.
13 CULLEN
Old Tom Morris made the most of nature’s gifts here – the coastline, sea stacks and escarpments. The clifftop par-63 will be one of the quirkiest courses you’ll ever play. It’s in our GB&I Fun Top 100.
14 DEESIDE HAUGHTON
Century-old parkland with magical Royal Deeside scenery, especially from the par-3 opener, as well as the tricky greens.
15 KEMNAY
Underrated and challenging 1908 parkland. Always well presented. Best holes around the turn demand good strategy.
16 PORTLETHEN
This 1989 Donald Steel design has matured into one of the region’s leading parklands and has hosted some prestigious competitions. Findon Burn lies in wait, crossing five front-nine holes.
17 BALLATER
A gently rolling heathland/parkland (1906) with several holes close to the River Dee. Just over 6,000 yards, but the opening six holes are challenging.
18 BANCHORY
Picturesque parkland on the banks of the River Dee. Designed by John Souter in 1905, well-placed bunkers and mature trees make it a solid all-round test.
19 INVERALLOCHY
Little-known links restored to 18 holes in the early 1950s. Just 5,436 yards but is full of surprises, with six par 3s, and sea views from every hole.
20 BRAEMAR
UK’S highest course sits about 1,200ft above sea level and originally began as a nine holer 111 years ago. Modest yardage, stunning vistas from many holes.
21 BUCKPOOL
Seaside course from early 1930s by J.H. Taylor. Features several short par 4s before finishing with a demanding 400-yard hole to a tiered green.
22 HAZLEHEAD (MACKENZIE)
Alister Mackenzie-designed public parkland that sits, largely unchanged, alongside the Pines course and a nine-holer.
23 ROYAL TARLAIR
A clifftop parkland commanding panoramic coastline views. The awesome par-3 13th is played over a clifftop chasm.
24 NEWMACHAR (SWAILEND)
Friendlier parkland foil for the demanding Hawkshill, the 1997 Dave Thomas-designed Swailend measures 6,388 yards.
25 INVERURIE
Panoramic parkland with undulating front nine, a thrilling finish and wildlife galore.