SCOTLAND
Aberdeen
Overview
The North East of Scotland not only boasts some magnificent courses but also has the best dune lands in the country. Those classic links like Royal Aberdeen, with one of the best front nines in the world, and Cruden Bay with its dramatic views from the picturesque holes atop the dunes, meander their way through great golfing land, not to be missed by the golfing aficionado. The Granite City as it is known, is hewed from that beautiful grey rock and as Scotland`s third biggest city has great restaurants, hotels and attractions to make your trip complete.
CRUDEN BAY
This magnificent links rates at World no 71 per top100golfcourses.com and rightly so! It meanders through some of the same, dramatic dunes as Royal Aberdeen and Trump International Golf Links. There are records showing golf being played on the site near Slains Castle in 1791, and indeed the Club has in its procession a Medal played for over this original course in 1883. The present course was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway Company in 1894 as a facility to accompany the Cruden Bay Hotel and designed by four times Open champion Old Tom Morris of St Andrews. It fully opened in 1899 with an inaugural professional two day open tournament. Please see here some early footage of the event. Bram Stoker used to frequently stay in the nearby Kilmarnock Arms Hotel and used Slains Castle (very visible from the early holes) as his inspiration for the Dracula novels!
MURCAR
The Murcar Links meets Royal Aberdeen at its ninth green and shares the same spectacular dune land and stunning North Sea views in addition to sharing its neighbor`s ability to challenge a golfer of any standard. The course was originally designed by Archie Simpson in 1909 and was improved upon by 5 times Open Champion, James Braid in the 1930`s. It has hosted, amongst other professional and amateur events, the European Tour’s Paul Lawrie Match Play in 2015 won by Thailand`s Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Being only 5 miles from Trump International Links and bordering Royal Aberdeen it is a must play along with these two and Cruden Bay.
Royal Aberdeen
This club which began life nearer the Aberdeen city center at what is now the municipal Kings Links, was 200 years old in 1980 making it one of the five oldest clubs in Scotland and so the world. The present course of Balgownie dates back to 1888 when the members moved across the River Don to the links at Balgownie. The Course was originally designed by the Simpson Brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie and later re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid to ensure the classic links kept pace with the modern game which it undoubtedly has hosting the Walker Cup, The British Senior Open (won by the great Tom Watson) and the Scottish Open on the European tour (won by Justin Rose). The course record is an impressive 64 by Rory McIlroy and when you play this magnificent links you will agree with so many people’s assessment that its front nine is the finest in Scotland.
TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS
This magnificent site was developed by Donald J Trump, opening in 2012. The input from the owner, along with the experience of the Royal and Ancient Golf club`s architect who has improved many Open Championship venues, Dr Martin Hawtree, created a golf course which has achieved the highest ever top 10 United Kingdom and top 100 World ranking entry positions with various top publications. As Dr Hawtree said “It will produce simply the most dramatic, stimulating, invigorating stretch of golf anywhere I have seen in my career”
Cock and Bull
The Cock and Bull is situated vert close to Trump International Golf Links and is a great eatery or watering hole after golf there or on the way back from Cruden Bay. It is cosy inn with great local produce and lovely surroundings. It boasts an AA rosette and is in the Michelin Eating Out guide in addition to being voted Scottish gatropub of the year three times.
Silver Darling Restaurant
Voted by our discerning clients the best restaurant in Aberdeen city center its situation is everything its name suggests: In the heart of Aberdeen`s harbour and beach coastline The Silver Darling promises a great view with a passion for local produce with memorable food and drink.
Cafe 52
The Green as it is known locally lay neglected until recently. It is now the attention of foodies through the wonderful efforts of local entrepreurs with the restaurant Café 52 as its featured attraction.
Set in a little quadrangle behind the main thorough fair of Aberdeen, Union Street you are guaranteed a great night and never to be forgotten meal at Café 52.
MARCLIFFE
The Marcliffe has been an Aberdeen institution since it opened under the ownership of legendary hotelier, Stewart Spence, in 1993. The house dates back to the 1850`s and was owned by many.well known, wealthy local families which Stewart built up to be Aberdeen`s best and only 5* hotel. Whilst a member of “The Finest Small Hotels of the World” it prides itself on being relaxed and homely with a wonderful spa, amongst the best cuisine in Aberdeen and the cities` most comfortable lodgings.
MALMAISON
A lovely boutique hotel set in the prime West End of Aberdeen on Queens Road. The Malmaison hotel has wonderfully appointed rooms and boats an excellent Brasserie restaurant and one of the Cities` best bars. The hotel has excellent spa and gym facilities in addition to being very well positioned for the cities` many attractions.
CHESTERS
This chic, stylish hotel, as is the Malmaison, located in the West End on Queens Road is a sophisticated, elegant choice with a fine dining 1X restaurant and vibrant cocktail bar which also has a great menu. Relax in the Egyptian cotton sheets and re invigorate under the hotel`s rainfall showers – a great location for your stay in the Granite City.
MACLEOD HOUSE
Donald Trump acquired this wonderful site including a hunting lodge which he renovated and re named after his mother`s maiden name, MacLoed House. It is a truly 5 star experience on the outskirts of Aberdeen with superior and grand deluxe bedrooms and dining to match in addition to an intimate bar wonderfully stocked with Scotland`s most famous drink! Located on the entrance road to the world class Trump International Golf Links, this is a great base for the links golf on offer around the Resort.
Cults Hotel
Cults although only 10 minutes from Aberdeen city center, retains a lovely, village feel and that same warm, friendly experience is on offer at the Hotel. Ideal for golfers and owned by a very keen golfer who knows how best to cater to the golfing guest. The busy restaurant offers wonderful local produce with a great menu of local and International dishes.
Sandman Signature Hotel
This 218 bedroom hotel is in the heart of and very close to the attractions of the Granite City. It is situated in the former Robert Gordon University St Andrews campus and offers corporate, king, kitchenette, and executive suites in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness room. Its on-site restaurant, Chop Grill & Bar, where fresh ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails, a warm smile, and lively atmosphere make for a great experience, day and night.
MELDRUM HOUSE
Set in the heart of beautiful Aberdeenshire the 240 acre Estate with its 13th Century baronial mansion as the center piece Meldrum is a truly luxurious experience. Awarded a Thistle in 2019 at the prestigious Scottish Hospitality Awards, this Scotland`s officially “Most Hospitable hotel” is complimented by a great golf course and academy, wonderful dining in the 1236 Cave Bar and Fine dining in the “Pineapple Grill and Seafood restaurant” where the 2 Rosettes are truly merited.