Overview
The northeast of Scotland has the most concentrated collection of great links courses outside of St Andrews — and far fewer visitors. Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, and Trump International Doonbeg (Scotland) within a short drive of the granite city. Five days of proper links golf in the wind.
Day 1: Arrival & Royal Aberdeen
Fly into Aberdeen. Royal Aberdeen is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world — founded in 1780. The Balgownie Links is pure, demanding, and played into a genuine North Sea wind.
Day 2: Murcar Links
Next door to Royal Aberdeen, separated by the River Don. Murcar is the lesser-known neighbour that regulars prefer — narrower, trickier, and just as exposed to the weather.
Day 3: Cruden Bay Golf Club
45 minutes north of Aberdeen. Cruden Bay is built into a bay of sand and heather — one of the most visually dramatic courses in Scotland. The Par 3 14th is one of the great short holes in links golf.
Day 4: Trump International Golf Links
Built into the Menie dunes, Trump International is a modern links that plays as severe as any old course. The dunes here are among the tallest in Scotland. A spectacular and demanding round.
Day 5: Departure
Aberdeen airport. A short transfer and a straight flight home. The northeast will have left its mark.