To Do: Golf
Scotland is of course well known as the true home of golf and Deeside and Grampian certainly live up to the tradition of superb golf in fabulous surroundings. The greatest difficulty is knowing just where to start. It does help, of course, if you have a particular fancy for links, or inland, or for easy, or for moderate, or challenging, or whatever. Even if that were the case, the links enthusiast, for example, has a choice of around twenty five courses along a stunning coastline of one hundred and fifty miles. Some of the more renowned of these, (the two courses at Lossiemouth, plus Cruden Bay, Murcar and Royal Aberdeen) are an hour or so apart, so the top links players will have the opportunity to take in much of the stunning scenery in between rounds.
Setting up a base in Ballater offers a great opportunity to combine the hardest, the prettiest and the easiest in a golfing stay. With ever growing visitor numbers the clubs have responded well and have increased, upgraded and widened their facilities with tasteful new clubhouses, beautifully maintained courses, an expansion of driving ranges and associated practice facilities and off course hospitality. The particular stars of Deeside golf are from West to East, Braemar, Ballater, Aboyne, Aboyne Loch, Inchmarlo, Banchory and Deeside.
USEFUL CONTACTS
www.thelodgeontheloch.com (Aboyne Loch)
Braemar:- Tel 013397 41618
ABOUT BALLATER GOLF CLUB
Ballater Golf Club was founded in 1892, originally as a nine hole course, on land owned by the laird of Invercauld. When farmland became available in 1905, the course was expanded to eighteen holes.
A match was staged in August 1906, between two very well known golfers, James Braid and Harry Vardon, to celebrate the construction of a pavilion and the extension of the course.
This eighteen hole, slightly undulating, medium length golf course is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Upper Deeside.
Several holes lie close to the River Dee and many a ball has gone to a watery grave. Ballater and its golf course lie within a circle of hills with glorious views, a delightful golfing experience
The course can best be described as heathland, although farther away from the river there are some distinct parkland characteristics.
There are also a good number of undulations formed by river terraces running along the ancient flood plain and these help make it interesting to play.
Ballater offers its toughest test to par on its opening six holes, which include two difficult par threes. However, with the beautiful scenery, dominated by Lochnagar to the west, and the fresh Highland air, few can fail to enjoy this lovely course.
For full details and reservations please contact the:-
Club Secretary (013397 55567) or the Club Professional (013397 55658)
Ballater Golf Club
Victoria Road
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5LX