Scotland: Royal Aberdeen: Balgownie Links
Royal Aberdeen is an ancient golf course just north of the town of Aberdeen in the Bridge of Don. The tagline for Royal Aberdeen is “home of the 5 minute rule” because this golden rule was first invented at Royal Aberdeen golf course… in 1783. When you play Royal Aberdeen Balgownie Links it becomes clear very quickly why this is– with narrow winding fairways lined on either side by deep fescue grass you understand that if you did not limit the search for a lost ball to 5 minutes, you may never actually finish a single round of golf.
Other than the Old Course in St. Andrews, Balgonie might just be the oldest golf links you’ll play in Scotland as it was established in 1780. In fact the Aberdeen Golf Club boasts the first reference to the “golf hole”. In all actuality the course you will play is not from 1780, the current location and course was developed in 1888 designed by Robert and Archie Simpson.
Royal Aberdeen isn’t particularly majestic or super memorable, but it is certainly a must play because of the history of the golf course. Keep an eye out for the large windmill just off the property of the golf course. Although it’s construction was hotly debated, the caddies mention that they actually really like it because it makes it easier to read the wind from anywhere on the golf course. Keep in mind windmills always turn themselves into the wind.
Ratings:
Bucket list rank (from 1to 5 buckets): 3 Buckets
Caddies: 7
Location: 7
Spectacle/ visual: 6
History: 8
New/ancient: Ancient
Playability : 7 it’s hard, a layup is your friend
Memorability : 6
Service/etc: 6
Shopping: 6 the golf shop is austere