Ballater

Ballater Golf Club is one of the most picturesque courses in Scotland, situated on the banks of the River Dee and located in the Cairngorms National Park.

Originally a 9-hole course in the late 19th Century, the layout was extended to 18 holes in 1905, and it is a glorious mix of heathland and parkland golf.

The River Dee comes into play on several occasions, but there are scoring opportunities to be taken on this 6,000-yard challenge.

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1892 saw the founding of Ballater Golf Club, making it one of many golfing venues in Scotland to have been founded in the 19th Century.

The club began life with a 9-hole course, which was then extended to 18 holes after more farmland became available for purchase in the mid-1900s.

The new course was opened by an exhibition match between two greats of the game. James Braid and Harry Vardon, with 11 Open Championships between them, kicked things off in 1906.

Thanks to sitting in the realms of the Cairngorms National Park, it might not come as a surprise that wherever you are at Ballater Golf Club, you are treated to stunning views of the hills beyond. It is a course that has a mix of heathland and parkland holes, with a number of holes playing alongside the River Dee. This par 70 layout runs at just over 6,000 yards from the tips, with a cracking selection of short holes, two of which are more than 215 yards in length.

It all begins with a gentle par 5, and one where you can really get your round off to a great start. At just 455 yards, most will fancy their chances of reaching in two if they can get a good drive away. There is a ditch running across the fairway, but that is just past the 300-yard mark, so it shouldn’t be a factor for most. Two bunkers by the green may put some off from going for it with their second. From there, you have to go through a tough stretch of holes to get to the middle of the course. The 2nd is the Stroke Index 3, a 420-yard par 4. Fairway bunkers are dotted down the hole, with anything going long of this green being in trouble, thanks to the boundary of the course.

The 3rd is the first, and longest, of the par 3s at Ballater. It is 225 yards from the tips, and plays to the southeast corner of the layout, with the River Dee lurking in the background. Fairway before the green allows an approach to be run up to the surface, as long as it avoids the two bunkers. The Stroke Index 1 comes at the 4th. It is a 410-yard par 4 that moves slightly to the left, around the banks of the Dee. It is a narrow tee shot, but there is some space to the right. No bunkers, but a burn running across in front of the green, just to make it slightly more difficult. The 5th is a 185-yard par 3 with the narrowest green on the course. Add in two bunkers for extra difficulty! 6 also runs along the River Dee, with anything left getting wet, and anything right in thick heather. No surprise it is a tricky test, despite only being 370 yards.

The 7th is the only hole on the course of more than 500 yards. This par 5 is a three-shotter for most, but there is space on either side for a slightly errant tee shot. It might only be 330 yards, but the 8th is more difficult than you might give it credit for originally. The hole moves slightly round to the left, but there are a trio of fairway bunkers down the left side. Two more traps, one on either side of the green, add to the difficulty on the approach as well. The front nine comes to a close with the 216-yard par 3 9th. Again, a hybrid or fairway wood is in play for most, but there are solitary trees on either side, to make it feel like a narrower shot than it actually is.

The back nine begins with another tough stretch of holes. 10 is a long par 4, just shy of 400 yards, and with a tee shot that requires accuracy. The green is protected by two bunkers, and thick trees at its back. 11 is the last of the par 5s, and although it is only 465 yards, it is not necessarily a birdie opportunity. The tee shot is played through a funnel of trees, so if you get it wrong, you’re reaching into your bag and playing three off the tee. Avoid doing that, and then you do have a chance of putting some red on the card. The 12th is the most difficult hole on the back side at Ballater, a 400-yard par 4 which moves from right to left. A large tree sits on the inside corner, while two bunkers are on the outer edge of the fairway. The 13th is one of the most picturesque holes on the course, a short par 3 of 160 yards running along the banks of the River Dee. Anything left, and your ball will be wet. The green is also guarded by two small bunkers.

From here on in, there are scoring opportunities. 14 is a 320-yard par 4 which moves slightly to the right around some trees. Find the left side of the fairway, and the green looks inviting. The 15th has a couple of fairway bunkers, one on either side, but the green is large and there is space out to the right for any pushed approaches. 16, a 350-yard par 4, has a generous fairway, but anything left of it may well find the gardens of the houses that neighbour the property. Five bunkers guard the green. The 17th is the last of the par 3s, and at 165 yards, it is not too difficult a prospect. The closing hole at Ballater is a 330-yard par 4, and one final scoring opportunity. There is a total of six bunkers on the hole, most of which are down the right side of the fairway. Two guard the green, with anything left finding the car park. However, at that yardage, can you put a circle around your final score of the day?

Where is Ballater Golf Club located?

Ballater Golf Club is situated in the heart of Aberdeenshire, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The venue is just south of the village of Ballater, with sits on the banks of the River Dee. The city of Aberdeen, the closest major city to Ballater, is around 40 miles to the east, on the eastern coastline of Scotland.

There is no rail service to this part of Scotland, but there are bus routes available to Ballater from Aberdeen. Aberdeen is also home to the nearest major international airport, Aberdeen International. The airport is also around 40 miles from the golf club, while both Inverness and Edinburgh Airports – the latter being the busiest in the country – both just over two hours from Ballater.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?

Ballater is somewhat on its own in the Cairngorms National Park when it comes to other venues on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list. The closest venues that have a spot on the list are those around Aberdeen, such as Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links and the Hawkshill Course at Newmachar. However, those are all around 40-50 miles from Ballater.

What golf facilities does Ballater Golf Club offer?

Ballater does not have its own driving range, but there is a practice area, along with hitting nets to allow members and guests alike to warm up. A short game area, including putting green, is by the first tee.

Away from the golf course, Ballater is also home to three tennis courts and a bowling green, perfect for the local community.

What are the green fees at Ballater Golf Club?

The price of a green fee at Ballater Golf Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Ballater, visit their website here.