Ballater Golf Club is one of the most scenic inland 18 – hole golf courses in northeast Scotland. Established in 1892 as a 9-hole course, it expanded to 18 holes in 1905 and has become one of the Highlands’ best-known inland courses.
It is a medium-length heathland/parkland course with gentle undulations. Several holes run alongside the River Dee, while others feature tree-lined fairways and open heathland. The course is surrounded by the hills of the Cairngorms, with views towards Lochnagar, making it as much a sightseeing experience as a golfing one. Although not especially long, the course is known for rewarding accuracy over power. The opening six holes provide the sternest test, including two demanding par threes.
Visitors are welcome. The club offers a practice area, putting green, clubhouse with bar and restaurant, changing facilities, golf lessons, equipment hire, electric buggies, and EV charging points.
If you’re planning a golf trip, Ballater is well placed for exploring other Royal Deeside courses such as Aboyne, Banchory, and Braemar, while also being an excellent base for visiting Balmoral Castle and the Cairngorms.
Ballater Golf week
This popular event has been running since 1975.
The 2027 event commences on Saturday 8th May.