Founded in 1780, Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The Championship Balgownie course was originally designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie, and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid.

The course runs essentially out and back along the North Sea shore. The outward nine (which is arguably acknowledged as one of the finest in links golf anywhere in the world) cuts its way through some wonderful dune formation and the inland nine is on the plateau.

A traditional old Scottish links, it is well bunkered with undulating fairways. It is an excellent balance of holes, strong par 4's, tricky par 3's and two classic par 5's, with the 8th (the signature hole) protected by 10 bunkers. The ever changing wind, tight greens and a magnificent finish makes Balgownie a test for the very best.