Lying just north of Aberdeen on Scotland's northeastern coast, Murcar Golf Club offers a challenging test of links golf and is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Murcar has been described as a kinder, gentler Ballybunion with a little bit of Royal County Down thrown in for good measure and this being true, you can imagine that the experience of playing here is quite something to behold. A natural links, Murcar is set out on a stretch of tumbling land and offers views of the sea from almost every hole. Host to many major events over the years, Murcar is renowned for the way its sand hills have been utilized, not only to shape and define the course, but also to give elevation to tees and create spectacular views.
Designed by Archie Simpson, the professional at the nearby Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Murcar Golf Club opened for play in June 1909 and although James Braid and George Smith made some revisions in the 1930's, the layout remains largely the same today. With a par of 71 and a championship yardage of just under 6,300, Murcar is certainly not a long course but the demands it puts on accuracy, more than compensate for any lack of length. The entire course is set on land well above sea level and this ensures that magnificent vistas abound throughout. With many steep gullies and sharp falls away from greens, the challenge and pleasure of playing from elevated tees to curling fairways and elevated greens is immense.
The front nine holes at Murcar run close to the shore and with an outward par of 36 measuring over 3,300 yards, it is significantly longer than the homeward journey. You shouldn't let your opinion of Murcar be founded upon your impression of the short opening par four or the relatively benign 367-yard second hole. You can be assured that the challenge does get harder from here on in. The third hole, which requires a well-placed drive to a plateau overlooking a sunken green, may quickly dispel any ill-placed complacency but it is the spectacularly beautiful 423-yard par four, 7th hole, which stands out among the opening nine holes.
The journey home begins with what is rated as the most difficult hole on the course and where any deviation from the correct line over the marker pole at the top of the hill, can be costly. And although the inward nine holes measure less than 3,000 yards, with a par of 35, it still offers a wonderful mix of par fours, two short holes and one par five, which though short, places a premium on the accuracy of the tee shot. The 13th is a difficult par four, lined with out of bounds on the right, while the second shot on the fine 15th hole is the perfect example of a "death or glory" situation.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Murcar is not long and is not overly difficult; it won't bring you to your knees and leave you feeling that you never wish to play the game again. This is just a fine golf course that should be played with Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay.
Situated just off the A90 route, outside Bridge of Don and less than five mile north of the centre of Aberdeen.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Ardoe House, Blairs, South Deeside Road, Aberdeen AB12 5YP.
Tel: + 44 1224 867355. Email: ardoe@macdonald-hotels.co.uk This elegant restaurant comprises three classically decorated rooms. The superb a la carte menu offers inspirational cuisine including honey quail and maize-fed chicken terrine.
Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen, 122 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SU.
Tel: + 44 1224 630404. Email: reservations.aberdeen@mill-cop.com.
This smart, split-level restaurant offers a good selection of familiar dishes. Cooking is modern, with main courses such as Highland lamb wrapped in garlic leaves, a particular strength.
Maryculter House Hotel, Aberdeen AB12 5GB (8 miles from Aberdeen).
Tel: + 44 1224 732124. Email: info@maryculterhousehotel.com.
Situated 8 miles from Aberdeen along the B9077, hospitality is a strong point at this hotel. Original stonework and open log fires provide an atmospheric setting in the Priory Restaurant.
Norwood Hall, Garthdee Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9FX.
Tel: + 44 1224 868951. Email info@norwood-hall.co.uk.
With its oak staircase, tapestry covered walls and stained glass windows, there's a sense of grandeur to this late Victorian mansion. Dishes are classic with the odd Scottish twist.
Lying just north of Aberdeen on Scotland's northeastern coast, Murcar Golf Club offers a challenging test of links golf and is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Murcar has been described as a kinder, gentler Ballybunion with a little bit of Royal County Down thrown in for good measure and this being true, you can imagine that the experience of playing here is quite something to behold. A natural links, Murcar is set out on a stretch of tumbling land and offers views of the sea from almost every hole. Host to many major events over the years, Murcar is renowned for the way its sand hills have been utilized, not only to shape and define the course, but also to give elevation to tees and create spectacular views.
