Royal Aberdeen Golf Club — Balgownie Links — is one of the oldest and most respected links courses in Scotland, founded in 1780 and ranked consistently in Scotland's top 10. The championship course runs through towering dunes north of Aberdeen with the North Sea as a constant companion. We provide private golf transfers to Royal Aberdeen from Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Scottish airports.
About the course
Balgownie Links is a classic out-and-back links through some of the tallest sand dunes in Scottish golf. The outward nine heads north along the coast through rolling duneland with elevated tees and fairways framed by marram grass. The inward nine returns through more sheltered ground but loses none of the quality. The front nine at Royal Aberdeen is often cited as one of the finest opening stretches in links golf anywhere in the world.
At around 6,900 yards from the championship tees, the course demands accurate driving and confident iron play. The greens are fast and undulating, the bunkers deep and strategically placed, and the North Sea wind is a near-constant factor. Despite its prestige, Royal Aberdeen has a welcoming atmosphere — the club takes pride in hosting visitors well, and the experience of playing Balgownie is memorable in every sense.
The drive from Aberdeen
Royal Aberdeen is just 15 minutes from the city centre and 20 minutes from Aberdeen Airport. The drive follows the coast road north through Bridge of Don, with the links appearing behind the dunes. Your driver will collect you from your hotel or the airport and deliver you to the club entrance. After your round, Murcar Links is five minutes north, making an easy Aberdeen links double.
Travel times to Royal Aberdeen
Multi-course Aberdeenshire golf itineraries
- Royal Aberdeen + Murcar Links – Two championship courses, 5 minutes apart
- Royal Aberdeen + Cruden Bay – Classic Aberdeenshire links pairing
- Royal Aberdeen + Trump International + Cruden Bay – Three-course Aberdeenshire tour
Nearby Aberdeenshire golf courses
Murcar Links Golf Club
5 minutes north
Trump International Golf Links
40 minutes north
Cruden Bay Golf Club
35 minutes north
Request a Royal Aberdeen golf transfer
Share your tee time, starting location, and group size. We'll confirm vehicle, timing, and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Aberdeen to Royal Aberdeen Golf Club?
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is roughly 15 minutes from Aberdeen city centre and 25 minutes from Aberdeen Airport. It's one of the most accessible championship courses in the North East.
Can you transfer from Aberdeen Airport directly to Royal Aberdeen?
Yes. We provide direct transfers from Aberdeen Airport to Royal Aberdeen, ideal for fly-and-play itineraries. We meet you at arrivals and transfer directly to the course.
Can you combine Royal Aberdeen with Trump International or Cruden Bay?
Absolutely. Royal Aberdeen pairs beautifully with Trump International (40 minutes north) or Cruden Bay (35 minutes north) for multi-day Aberdeenshire golf tours. We handle all transfers and timing.
Is there space for golf clubs and luggage?
Yes. Our Mercedes V-Class and similar vehicles have generous space for golf bags, luggage, and passengers.