Coastal
Encounters
Duration: 4 days
The coast around Aberdeen and Grampian
boasts some wonderful links and seaside golf courses. This
itinerary follows the A90 around the coast exploring some real
coastal gems.
Aberdeen is about 2 hours drive from Edinburgh,
Glasgow or Inverness. Alternatively you can fly direct to Aberdeen
Airport and pick up a car from there.
Start your journey by driving about 30 minutes
south of Aberdeen city to the coastal town of Stonehaven that
nestles beneath the majestic Dunottar Castle - used in Mel Gibson's
"Hamlet". Play Stonehaven Golf Course, a golf
course that embraces the natural beauty of lush inland and merges
it with clifftop views that are guaranteed to take your breath
away.
Then travel north again on the A90 towards Bridge
of Don, a stone's throw from Aberdeen city and home to
Murcar Golf Course. This links course is a real
test of golf with undulating fairways and views across the sea and
over Aberdeen. It was designed by Archie Simpson and opened in
1909. It also neighbours with Royal Aberdeen Golf
Course where Tom Watson won the 2005 senior British
Open.
Next stop on your journey along the coast is to
the pretty town of Cruden Bay. Cruden Bay Golf
Course is internationally renowned and is one of the best
golf courses in Scotland (often listed in the world's top 100) and
showcases traditional Scottish golf as it should be. The subtly
contoured greens and magnificent panoramic views will make your
visit to Cruden Bay a most memorable one. (And whilst visiting, why
not wander up to the ruins of Slains Castle on the cliffs above the
town, where Bram Stoker wrote 'Dracula' whilst on holiday?)
Continue up to the northern tip and arrive in
Fraserburgh, little over 30 minutes drive from Cruden Bay.
Fraserburgh is an old fishing port and is home to the Lighthouse
Museum. You will find a warm welcome at the seaside
Fraserburgh Golf Club. The James Braid designed
links course is a real test with the wind and substantial dunes set
to challenge you all the way to the 19th hole!
Journey along the A98 to the aptly named Scottish
village of Macduff where Royal Tarlair awaits to
welcome you. Royal Tarlair is a cliff-top parkland course which
presents a challenge for the more serious golfer, and offers
enjoyable golf in an ideal setting for the not so serious.
Your coastal encounter will finish with you
playing at Moray Old Course or Moray New
Course beautifully set out right on the shores of the
Moray Firth at Lossiemouth. Both courses are two splendid 18 hole
golf courses where good shots will be rewarded. The favourable
climate on the Moray Firth allows golf to be played in Lossiemouth
practically every day of the year. And at certain times of the
year, you may be able to enjoy the sight of dolphins &
porpoises playing in the Firth.
Why not return to Aberdeen following the
Castle & Whisky Trail through the heart of
Aberdeenshire?
