At
number six in the Golf League on antiquity Royal Aberdeen
should be better known in the world of golf. A club founded
as far back as 1780, and one of the most challenging of
all Scottish links. There is little doubt that golf was
played on these links more than 200 years, the official
ballot box bearing the 1780 date.
Royal
Aberdeen's credentials are well established and a visit
to the course soon confirms its other credentials, as one
of the most testing and spectacular courses in Scotland.
It would be difficult to find a better front nine on any
links course in the whole of Britain, 400 yards longer than
the home nine, the opening nine holes are nothing short
of superb. A 400 yard plus par 4 opening hole, followed
immediately by a classic three-shotter, of 530 yard par
5 should reinforce the point that this is a 'Man-Size' golf
course which is not interested in taking any prisoners.
If you were thinking that the third hole a par 3 should
offer a little sanctuary, think again, at 223 yards this
is your chance to blow a medal round, before it's really
started!.
The majestic front nine winds it's way to the turn with
a couple of good two-shot holes, one of them a short but
dangerous par 5 testing enough, a pleasant short Iron and
bludgeoning 453 yard par 4, that completes a testing, but
rewarding outward nine. The return journey back to the Old
Clubhouse maybe shorter in length, but played into the wind,
feels much longer than its 3300 yards which the score card
assures us it is. The short 11th is a test of nerve and
the absence of a par 5 makes the back nine par of 34 a stiff
challenge.
Royal Aberdeen was granted its 'Royal' status in 1903, King
Edward VII granting the club's petition 'to use the Royal
title'. In 1925 James Braid, five times Open champion, visited
the club, suggesting a number of alteration to improve the
layout. Not all of Braid's suggestions were implemented
as the club did not want the link's remodeled, but merely
refined. Having hosted many important tournaments over the
years including the British Seniors Open, Northern Open,
and the Scottish Amateur Championship Royal Aberdeen has
more than proved itself.
If you decide on Royal Aberdeen as one of your stopovers,
you'll be itching to return to one of the top links that
Scotland has to offer.
