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Ben Sims

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Talk to me about Aberdeen
« on: July 11, 2024, 11:40:17 AM »
The region, the courses, the city. We had a spirited conversation about golf regions in Scotland last week and none of us could figure out why Aberdeenshire isn’t more popular with golf travelers. Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Murcar, Craigewan, Fraserburgh, Balmedie, Newburgh on Ythan….seems there’s more than enough to base a trip around for golf. And the airport is a pretty easy in/out. What am I missing?
« Last Edit: July 11, 2024, 11:53:39 AM by Ben Sims »

Ally Mcintosh

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2024, 11:42:53 AM »
You’re missing Balmedie… but you’re also missing the haar.

Ben Sims

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2024, 11:53:00 AM »
You’re missing Balmedie… but you’re also missing the haar.


Whoops. Genuinely wasn’t making a statement by forgetting Balmedie. Simple mistake. Also, had to look that one up. Haar, not Balmedie. How often is that sea fog hampering golf?

Brian Finn

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2024, 12:08:14 PM »
I've actually been working on an itinerary for a future trip to the region, so this will prove a very useful topic.  I've already played Cruden Bay, CB St. Olaf, and Royal Aberdeen, all of which I will definitely revisit.  Below is the list of courses I had identified so far.  I need to do more reading/research on several, and will certainly add others mentioned here.

Cruden Bay (Championship)
Cruden Bay (St Olaf)
Balnagask - Nigg Bay
Fraserburgh (Corbie Hill)
Inverallochy
Kings Links
Murcar
Newburgh-on-Ythan
Peterhead (Old)
Rosehearty
Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie)
Royal Aberdeen (Silverburn)

New for '24: Monifieth x2, Montrose x2, Panmure, Carnoustie x3, Scotscraig, Kingsbarns, Elie, Dumbarnie, Lundin, Belvedere, The Loop x2, Forest Dunes, Arcadia Bluffs x2, Kapalua Plantation, Windsong Farm, Minikahda...

John Handley

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2024, 12:13:58 PM »
#1 Too many Americans are obsessed with St. Andrews
#2 It takes a little more work to get there than other regions in Scotland
#3 Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen are the only 2 high profile/Top 100 courses (unless you add Trump Intl and that comes with a whole other load of baggage that we won't get into)




I have played Cruden Bay, Trump, and Royal Aberdeen and absolutely loved it.  We stayed at the Malmaison Hotel which was great for our group.  I've sent several other groups that direction and combining with a trip to Dornoch/Brora/Nairn/Castle Stuart.  Which makes for a helluva golf trip.  All have raved about it.



2024 Line Up: Spanish Oaks GC, Cal Club, Cherokee Plantation, Huntercombe, West Sussex, Hankley Common, Royal St. Georges, Sunningdale New & Old, CC of the Rockies, Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale, Formby, Royal Liverpool, Swinley Forest, St. George's Hill, Berkshire Red, Walton Heath Old, Austin GC,

Ally Mcintosh

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2024, 12:20:41 PM »
Ben - the haar / sea-fog is unpredictable but can definitely hamper morning rounds through the summer. I grew up in Aberdeen but it’s a long time since I lived there. I wouldn’t think it is bad enough to stop one planning a golf trip to the area.


Brian - King’s Links and Nigg Bay / Balnagask are very rudimentary courses, albeit it with proper turf. Good for a few extra holes unplanned but not worthy to work in to an organised trip.


With Balmedie 1 (and soon to be 2) added in, just north of Aberdeen has become a really good golf destination (John - I think you can include Murcar as close to top-tier). It is lacking a really good hotel on that side of the city. It is also lacking a more gentrified base village / town which could be seen as either a positive or a negative dependent on your point of view

Thomas Dai

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2024, 01:50:14 PM »
The region, the courses, the city. We had a spirited conversation about golf regions in Scotland last week and none of us could figure out why Aberdeenshire isn’t more popular with golf travelers. Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Murcar, Craigewan, Fraserburgh, Balmedie, Newburgh on Ythan….seems there’s more than enough to base a trip around for golf. And the airport is a pretty easy in/out. What am I missing?
Away from the immediate coast there’s Duff House Royal and Ballater.
If driving from further south there’s Arbroath, even Blairgowrie.

By the way, Craigewan is aka Peterhead.
Ally makes valid points about the haar, Kings Links and Balnagask. In the city there’s also Hazlehead #1.
Atb


Ira Fishman

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2024, 01:50:31 PM »
I played Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh, and Royal Aberdeen last August. The golf was superb. Neither RA nor Fraserburgh get enough attention on here. But Ally is onto something regarding the lack of a base camp. We stayed in central Aberdeen which did not offer much in terms of charm, liveliness, nor restaurants. Cruden Bay did not offer any obvious good alternatives.


I was first off the tee as a one ball at RA. Beautiful morning with no haar (yep, needed to look it up too).




Tony_Muldoon

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2024, 03:27:06 AM »
If playing Fraserburgh the 9 hole Rosehearty is a blast.  About 5 miles away. Not links but clifftop . 5 par 3's and less than 2000 yards.  If it's quiet play 5,6,7 or whatever group.  Smiles all round, but only the careful golfer will score well.

https://www.roseheartygolfclub.com/
Let's make GCA grate again!

Jeff Schley

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2024, 04:45:00 AM »
I just returned from Aberdeen a couple weeks ago. First, a nice way to travel up there from London was the overnight sleeper train, the Caladonian. Thanks to DT's advice this was a enjoyable alternative to flying, it has many stops in Scotland so something for almost anyone going there.
The city of Aberdeen itself I felt, had quite a bit to offer. The Euro was being played then and very lively crowds gathered outside to watch on screens or in pubs. I hit the Grosvenor Casino right by my hotel a couple times as well. While not dozens of restaurant options, there were quite a few modern places and of course pub food. I did visit what was apparently the first Mackie's Ice Cream parlor in the city center. I didn't know the family was from the area and buy Mackie's in the grocery store internationally.
Overall, I felt Aberdeen was a nice small city which probably due to competition from St. Andrews/Highlands/Lothian gets overlooked. Played Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay. Loved the quirk of CB as everyone does who plays there, similar to a North Berwick which is a good compliment. Royal Aberdeen was a wonderful links, played on a relatively calm day. I hit the ball well for me and just couldn't score as the mistakes led to losing a ball in the gorse which was lush.

So why doesn't Aberdeen get more attention or priority for visitors? I would surmise that if you are taking your first trip almost all visitors want to go to St. Andrews. For the savy visitor probably Lothian or Highlands comes as your second trip if you are staying in Scotland. The entire UK/Ireland gets bundled together for visitors probably and you go where the golf is, with so many great options Aberdeen has a hard time competing with those. However, I agree with Ben in that you will have a wonderful time yet.
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Ally Mcintosh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2024, 07:52:13 AM »
Just in case folks are given the wrong impression, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, multiples bigger than St Andrews or North Berwick.


Oil made it affluent in the 70’s and 80’s. Union Street was one of Europe’s great streets but is now a shadow of itself with all retail and culture removed. However, down by School Hill, Back Wynd and Marischal College is worth walking around.


The West end of the city remains the nicest residential area (so Malmaison is a decent small hotel choice).


Old Aberdeen (where the University is based) is a must visit area, dating back to the 1400’s.


But to be close to the golf, you need to be north and there is a lack of good places to stay around there.

Robin_Hiseman

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2024, 08:28:49 AM »
I lived in the region for 8 years either side of the millennium, so here are my recommendations in addition to the good advice offered so far.


Stonehaven is well worth a visit. Pebble Beach like clifftop golf. Short and quirky. Great fish and chips in the harbour.


Heading inland (if the haar is in town) is worthwhile. Heading up the Dee Valley is one of the world's great drives and within an hour will take you past the entrance to Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater golf clubs. A bit further will get you to the dizzy heights of Braemar, the UK's highest 18 hole course.


The modern golf on offer at Newmachar and Meldrum House is good, but not what you come to the North East for.


Edzell is within an hour and another good inland track, as is the historic links of Montrose. Play it before it disappears into the North Sea
2024: Royal St. David's; Mill Ride; Milford; Notts; JCB, Jameson Links, Druids Glen, Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, Old Head, Addington, Parkstone, Denham, Thurlestone, Dartmouth, Rustic Canyon, LACC (North), MPCC (Shore), Cal Club, San Francisco, Epsom, Casa Serena (CZ),

Tom_Doak

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #12 on: July 12, 2024, 01:24:44 PM »
I just don't get the love for Royal Aberdeen.

Thomas Dai

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #13 on: July 12, 2024, 01:35:19 PM »
I just don't get the love for Royal Aberdeen.
Interesting take.

“A noble links” as Bernard Darwin described it and the 6th oldest golf club in the World.
Might not be the most visually stunning course in NE Scotland but it’s plenty challenging, severely so at times, more so than some nearby courses that maybe look nicer in photographs.
Atb

Ally Mcintosh

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #14 on: July 12, 2024, 01:52:42 PM »
I grew up playing at Royal Aberdeen but it’s been over 30 years since I played there so I must get back to be more objective.


My feeling is that the front nine is slightly overrated - do love the 1st hole though - and the back nine is slightly underrated.

Ira Fishman

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #15 on: July 12, 2024, 02:55:39 PM »
I thought RA was terrific. Perhaps because I am a fan of blind and semi-blind shots. Regardless, the land movement is exceptional, and it uses the dunes to make even the straight holes seem as if they move one way or the other. There is good variety in the length of the holes particularly when the wind direction is factored in. The bunkering presents challenges but allows options. The greens have interesting exterior contours. I thought that the Par 3s were a bit weak as a set although I liked 17 visually and it did require a tee shot requiring distance control. 16-18 are a strong finish.


I agree with Ally that the front did not fully meet the lofty hype but the back exceeding expectations more than made up for it.


We played RA on a trip that included TOC, Gleneagles Kings and Queens, Cruden Bay, and Elie among others. RA more than held its own.

Bernie Bell

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #16 on: July 12, 2024, 03:39:49 PM »
Royal Aberdeen v. Balmedie?  Strictly on the course architecture.

Brian_Ewen

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #17 on: July 13, 2024, 02:40:59 AM »
I've actually been working on an itinerary for a future trip to the region, so this will prove a very useful topic.  I've already played Cruden Bay, CB St. Olaf, and Royal Aberdeen, all of which I will definitely revisit.  Below is the list of courses I had identified so far.  I need to do more reading/research on several, and will certainly add others mentioned here.

Cruden Bay (Championship)
Cruden Bay (St Olaf)
Balnagask - Nigg Bay
Fraserburgh (Corbie Hill)
Inverallochy
Kings Links
Murcar
Newburgh-on-Ythan
Peterhead (Old)
Rosehearty
Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie)
Royal Aberdeen (Silverburn)


No Hazlehead?

Sean_A

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #18 on: July 13, 2024, 03:11:56 AM »
I've actually been working on an itinerary for a future trip to the region, so this will prove a very useful topic.  I've already played Cruden Bay, CB St. Olaf, and Royal Aberdeen, all of which I will definitely revisit.  Below is the list of courses I had identified so far.  I need to do more reading/research on several, and will certainly add others mentioned here.

Cruden Bay (Championship)
Cruden Bay (St Olaf)
Balnagask - Nigg Bay
Fraserburgh (Corbie Hill)
Inverallochy
Kings Links
Murcar
Newburgh-on-Ythan
Peterhead (Old)
Rosehearty
Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie)
Royal Aberdeen (Silverburn)

If your list is that deep add Stonehaven. There are some terrific holes and the club doesn’t feel super golfy.

If in Aberdeen hit The Grill on Union St. The country needs more boozers like this.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024:Winterfield & Alnmouth,

Tom_Doak

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #19 on: July 13, 2024, 03:49:51 AM »

“A noble links” as Bernard Darwin described it and the 6th oldest golf club in the World.
Might not be the most visually stunning course in NE Scotland but it’s plenty challenging, severely so at times, more so than some nearby courses that maybe look nicer in photographs.
Atb


There are lots of courses that are challenging, but not interesting.  I'm not saying it's a bad course, but I've been there twice, and there aren't any holes I want to go back and see again.

Sean_A

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #20 on: July 13, 2024, 05:01:12 AM »

“A noble links” as Bernard Darwin described it and the 6th oldest golf club in the World.
Might not be the most visually stunning course in NE Scotland but it’s plenty challenging, severely so at times, more so than some nearby courses that maybe look nicer in photographs.
Atb

There are lots of courses that are challenging, but not interesting.  I'm not saying it's a bad course, but I've been there twice, and there aren't any holes I want to go back and see again.

You sound harsh, but I don’t know what that translates to on your scale 😎.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024:Winterfield & Alnmouth,

Thomas Dai

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #21 on: July 13, 2024, 05:03:35 AM »
“A noble links” as Bernard Darwin described it and the 6th oldest golf club in the World.
Might not be the most visually stunning course in NE Scotland but it’s plenty challenging, severely so at times, more so than some nearby courses that maybe look nicer in photographs.
Atb
There are lots of courses that are challenging, but not interesting.  I'm not saying it's a bad course, but I've been there twice, and there aren't any holes I want to go back and see again.
Interesting.

Not to name three examples the wee 8th with its narrow green where trajectory is so important or the 9th with its use of the diagonal ridge and fall-offs or the 14th with the diagonal wall in front of the green? Might be worth another look-see as the 1st green and a few areas along the front-9 are under sea erosion threat. The first-6 and the last-3 on the Silverburn course are worth a look too.
Atb

Tom_Doak

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #22 on: July 13, 2024, 05:50:01 AM »
You sound harsh, but I don’t know what that translates to on your scale 😎.

Ciao


I think it translated to a 6, if I recall correctly.

Sean_A

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #23 on: July 13, 2024, 06:10:03 AM »
You sound harsh, but I don’t know what that translates to on your scale 😎.

Ciao


I think it translated to a 6, if I recall correctly.


If I recall, at the time, a 7 for you translated as something in the running for top 100 world...no?


Ciao
New plays planned for 2024:Winterfield & Alnmouth,

Duncan Cheslett

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Re: Talk to me about Aberdeen
« Reply #24 on: July 13, 2024, 09:27:33 AM »
I had a fabulous trip to Aberdeen two years ago. We played Royal Aberdeen, Murcar, Trump, and Cruden Bay. All thoroughly enjoyable.


We stayed at the Bridge of Don Premier Inn. It is ideally situated and perfectly acceptable. I paid £100 for three nights.

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