Murcar Links

1909 saw the opening of the original layout at Murcar Links. Archie Simpson, the professional at Royal Aberdeen at the time, was the man behind the design of the 18-hole course at Murcar.  George Smith and the great James Braid – a five-time winner of the Open Championship – advised on changes to the layout in the 1930s, but the course remains relatively unchanged from its original design.  Braid would also design the 9-hole Strabathie Course, which is a lovely extra for those who are taking the trip to the northeast of Scotland to play at Murcar.

Played down the northeastern coastline of Scotland, Murcar Links is a true links venue. The course is not the longest, at just a shade over 6,500 yards, but as a Par 71, it is a tricky test. No yardages start with a 5 at Murcar Links, with the longest hole on the course not even reaching 490. However, with the sea breeze and some carefully placed bunkers, Murcar Links still provides golfers with a cunning test of their skills.   The course begins with a gentle par 4 of just 320 yards, while the second is more than 400 yards. Four fairway bunkers provide the danger off the tee shot, with two at the front of the green as well. The 3rd takes you down to the coastline, and has a split fairway. The approach is to a narrow green, with mounds left and bunkers right. The 4th tee is actually on land owned by Royal Aberdeen, and loaned back to Murcar. It kicks off the opening par 5 on the course, which runs parallel to the beach. Anything right is in trouble, but at just 490 yards, there is the chance of making birdie, or better!  5 is the opening short hole at Murcar Links, playing slightly back inland. 175 yards and to a relatively small green, club selection is crucial. At more than 450 yards, the 6th is a very tough par 4, but he pick of the holes than run along the coast is undoubtedly the 7th, Serpentine. From the elevated tee, all the trouble is apparent - but that certainly does not make it any easier to avoid. A stream winds across the fairway some 190 yards from the tee and when played into the breeze, this is very much in play to all but the strongest hitters. Five is never a bad score here. A charming short par 4 ends the outward half and tempts the longer hitters into playing aggressively but with such a small target, power must be allied to precision or else fives and sixes are the most likely result.   Now at the furthest point away from the clubhouse, the back nine starts with another testing par 4, this one blind and bending to the left. It seems to play much longer than its yardage would suggest. After moving inland for a couple of holes, the fun continues at the 13th, where the tee shot is blind but the golfer is well aware of the out of bounds fence running down the right. It is followed by the second par 5, again with out of bounds to the right and a green that is bordered by a stream attracting anyone attacking in two but insufficiently accurate.  The last of the short holes is the 16th and it is well worth waiting for. It plays back across the 15th as a cross-over, with the tee shot having to carry the stream that also runs across 15. Then comes a par 4 that appears narrower than it actually is. The closing hole, like the opening one, offers an overly generous landing area, and offers up one final birdie chance. There are ten bunkers in play down the hole, but if you can avoid them then you’re in with a shot.

Hugh Masson: A superb links that matches the standard of its neighbours. The stretch from 3 - 9 is excellent.

Craid Redston: The front 9 at Murcar rivals all of Scotland’s most famous links and was easily the best conditioned course I played this year bar none.

Ian Woods: Compares favourably with its more famous Aberdeen neighbour, especially the holes along the coastline. Even mid to high handicappers have a chance of driving the green on the 9th, despite the undulations that could deflect it off line. The 15th looks twice as intimidating as it really is.

David Elliott: Fantastic seaside links with nice views of the North Sea. Great use of the natural contours and stress relieving raised tees. Some visually stunning holes. A good mix of long and short holes, all with excellent greens.

Greg Webber: The holes by the sea are particularly strong. Ongoing work, including significant remodelling of the 3rd hole and installation of fairway irrigation, continues to enhance this splendid course.

David Walker: Often overlooked due to its more celebrated neighbours but this would be a mistake as this is a wonderful course with its signature par 4 7th - 'Serpentine' - which will test your nerve with the burn towering dunes and a challenging green to be negotiated.

Read more about our panellists here (opens in a new tab).

Where is Murcar Links located?  
Murcar Links is situated on the northeastern coastline of Scotland, just north of the city of Aberdeen. The layout of the course runs parallel to the coast, with views out to the North Sea from pretty much every point of the links. The course is just off the A92, which runs from Dunfermline to the northeast of Scotland.   The likes of Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay (opens in a new tab) and Trump International, Scotland (opens in a new tab) are all within a short drive from Murcar Links.   Thanks to its proximity to the city, Aberdeen Airport is easily the closest international airport for visitors to Murcar Links and the stunning courses of the region. Aberdeen Airport is just over ten miles from Murcar Links. For those looking for a wider array of destinations, Edinburgh Airport is around 140 miles south of the venue. Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?  
Murcar Links is one of several venues on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list that is within an hour's drive from Aberdeen. The likes of Trump International's Old Course, Newmachar's Hawkshill Course, Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay - with its Championship Course and St Olaf Course - are all within a short drive from Murcar.
What golf facilities does Murcar Links offer?  
Along with the 18-hole Championship Course and the 9-hole Strabathie Course, Murcar Links is also home to a wonderful practice area. This sits further inland than the course, and there is a specialised short game area along with a full-length driving range.  
What are the green fees at Murcar Links?
The price of a green fee at Murcar Links 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 Murcar Links visit their website here (opens in a new tab).   Visit the Murcar Links website here (opens in a new tab). Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.