Murcar Links Key Information
Murcar Links
While its immediate neighbour is extremely well known, Murcar Links somehow flies a little under the radar but certainly deserves wider acclaim. This is a top-flight links with some very distinctive and memorable holes that will reward good golf but also keep a smile on your face even when things aren’t going quite to plan.
Reasons To Play Murcar Links
– This is a tough and very rewarding championship links with plenty of thrilling holes
– Elevation changes create challenge, variety and views
– One of four superb and varied Top 100 links on the Aberdeenshire coastline
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 91
The area around Murcar Links has grown over recent years to become one of the UK’s strongest golfing destinations. And if this delightful club is less well-known than its neighbours at Royal Aberdeen, Trump Aberdeen and elsewhere, then it’s time to spread the word and let everyone know that this is one of the very best golf courses in Scotland.
Founded in 1909, this historic course is packed with all that makes up a great links. It is so close to Royal Aberdeen that you can actually overhit from one course to the other, and there are tales from a few years ago of a tourist group who teed off on one course and ended up playing the other. This close connection extends to the original architect, Archie Simpson, who was then both professional and head greenkeeper at Balgownie, and who was engaged to design the layout here.
Subsequent changes were made by James Braid and George Smith who effectively fashioned the course as it is today. It is a fabulous and traditional links with elevated tees, plenty of gorse and wide views out to sea. Some feel that it is a shade more forgiving than its immediate neighbour, although that would not be too difficult! How you score depends on how well you manage the many, tough par 4s.
The course really takes off when you reach the shoreline at the par-5 4th. Not particularly long, it would appear at first sight to be a serious birdie opportunity. However, the green is tricky and you will need to navigate everything carefully. Once you’ve hit two solid shots past the derelict fishing boat in the rough, you’ll need to pitch to the elevated green where there is a 30-yard run off at the front and a large revetted pot bunker to its left.
The next is one of the best holes on the course, a very tricky par 3 where club selection… and hitting it properly of course… is everything. It is considered by some of the members to be a longer version of the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon. Anything slightly left should work its way down the hill, leaving a lob-shot from 20 yards beneath the green. Go right, and there are twin bunkers that will eat your ball and leave little chance of a successful up and down. The par-4 7th completes a hat-trick of crackers. Here, your drive must cross two burns and then stay left of the ditch before playing up to a green protected by two beautifully revetted bunkers. Great and totally engaging golf continues all the way.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
A quality links with a more relaxed feel than its much vaunted neighbour. The staff were all genuinely friendly and helpful. A really good links with excellent practice facilities and a clubhouse without airs and graces.
Very warm welcome throughout, particularly in the pro-shop. A very well established, naturally landscaped, wonderfully undulating course that gets most things right.
Murcar Links Location
Muarcar Links Green Fees
Murcar Links Scorecard
Best Courses Near Murcar Links
Best Places To Stay Near Murcar Links
The Station Hotel, Aberdeen - Book now via Booking.com
Just opposite Aberdeen train station, the hotel boasts a bar and restaurant. Rooms are equipped with a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, a seating area and private bathroom. Breakfast is served in the hotel's dining room and regional cuisine is available for lunch and dinner in the on-site restaurant.
Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen - Book now via Booking.com
This independent hotel features an on-site bar and restaurant.The menu at Molly's Bistro showcases local food and drink, including a carefully selected wine list. Malones Irish bar offers live sports and music 7 nights a week.
Murcar Links Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 91
- 2021/22 94
- 2019/20 96
- 2017/18 100 New Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Murcar Links?
Along with Royal Aberdeen, Trump International Scotland and Cruden Bay, Murcar Links is one of four extremely strong and varied links courses in the Top 100 on the Aberdeenshire coast in Scotland.
Who designed Murcar Links?
Very neatly, it was the head greenkeeper and professional at adjacent Royal Aberdeen, Archie Simpson, who designed this course in 1909.
