Murcar is as challenging a links as you could ever want to encounter. Although not quite as well-known as its illustrious neighbour, Royal Aberdeen,  this is links golf of the highest calibre. The course is famous for its elevated tees, none more so than the 7th, called “Serpentine,” where every twist and turn through the whins and dunes is laid out in front of you.

Murcar Links is a classic Scottish championship seaside links located a mere 15 minutes drive from Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) making it easily accessible. Located adjacent to and on the north boundary of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club's Balgownie Links, the Murcar Links was laid out in 1909 by "the Keeper of the Green" at Balgownie, Archie Simpson.  James Braid carried out alterations and improvements in the 1930s; and more recently Graeme J Webster's Team Niblick Ltd has overseen a lengthening and modernisation enhancement programme

Natural links land

The Murcar Links takes its name from the area of land it is built on. The front nine are predominantly played northwards adjacent to the North Sea; with the back nine being predominantly southwards on a slightly higher level. The summer prevailing wind is south-westerly. Good course management and strategy are an absolute must as you negotiate: broom, bunkers, burns, dunes, gorse, heather and rough. You'll also need to be able to execute every shot in the book to master this particular course. The challenge and attraction of playing from elevated tees to fairways curling round and between sand dunes, gorse and heather is immense and Murcar has this type of hole in abundance. Not for the beginner or the faint-hearted, Murcar is a truly challenging test of golf.

Hidden gem status

Described by Peter Alliss the famous TV golf commentator and former Ryder Cup player as, "a hidden gem"; and by Paul Lawrie the 1999 Open Champion, "as fine a links course as you could wish to play", the Murcar Links is a tournament venue frequently used by the European Tours, the R&A, the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish PGA.  In 2006 the Clubhouse facilities were completely refurbished and a state-of-the-art practice facility and driving range was opened.  Miss out on experiencing Murcar Links at your peril!