Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

If yesterday is anything to go by, the stellar field that will contest this year’s Scottish Open are in for both a test and a treat when they take on Royal Aberdeen next month.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity of playing the historic Balgownie Links yesterday and to see first hand some of the challenges that await the likes of Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Rickie Fowler and defending champion Phil Mickelson.

At present 24 of the world’s top 60 have confirmed that they will take part, with more expected to confirm their participation before entries close. And there is no doubt in my mind that Royal Aberdeen will be a worthy host of such immense talents.

It is a considerably different prospect from Castle Stuart, the Inverness-shire club which has hosted the tournament for the past three years. Whereas Castle Stuart has wide, flat fairways, Royal Aberdeen is much tighter and more undulating, with severe penalties for those who veer offline. The rough is lush and thick – the result, perhaps, of a mild winter and good growing conditions so far this year – and, in places, it’s tantamount to shot penalty.

‘Royal Aberdeen is a classic links in every sense of the expression.’

Putting the ball in the right places, then, will be of utmost importance. If only it was that easy, of course.

Royal Aberdeen is a classic links in every sense of the expression. That means it has plenty of bumpy, billowing fairways and either blind or semi-blind shots, particularly on the fabulous front nine (arguably the finest nine-hole stretch in golf). That equates to unpredictable bounces and, if the course is dry, some hard kicks.

Consequently, what looks like the correct line from the tee might, in fact, be the wrong one. Patience, brains, vision and creativity will be rewarded. Smacking it high and smacking it straight probably won’t.

It’s also worth mentioning the wind, as it is one the links’ great defences. An almost ‘nine out, nine back’ layout, Balgownie runs largely parallel to the North Sea. As a result, when the wind gets up (as it often does, according to locals), certain shots can require either three clubs more or three clubs less.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

I played the front nine into the wind yesterday and, by the time I reached the seventh, I was feeling a little sorry for myself. It’s a humbling experience hitting driver into a par-3 or being 150 yards from the flag and not knowing if hybrid will be enough. But that’s links golf and, naturally, the back nine played wind-assisted, so it was hardly a slog.

Stand-out holes? In truth, any one of the front nine fits the bill, but I especially liked the second, which is framed by towering dunes and is an awesome sight from the tee. The par-3 eighth is another gem, too. Miss the green and you’ll likely play your next shot from one of the nine bunkers that guard it. It’s simply brilliant.

‘Anyone who turns up expecting something similar to Castle Stuart is in for a nasty shock.’

It will be interesting to see how players adapt to the challenges that Royal Aberdeen poses. Anyone who turns up expecting something similar to Castle Stuart is in for a nasty shock. Scoring won’t be as low, that’s for certain, and the winner will be the man who isn’t afraid to hit some ugly shots.

As preparation for the Open the following week, it will do the job nicely so long as the wind doesn’t blow too hard. Guys like Rory and Phil view the Scottish Open as a place to tune up, not be beaten up.

All things considered, this year’s Scottish Open is shaping up to be a fascinating spectacle.

Royal Aberdeen: Have you played it?

Have you ever played Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Links? How do you think it will fare as a host venue for the Scottish Open? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

topics


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship