What is Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club?

Updated

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club is a championship links golf club on the Aberdeenshire coast, less than 15 miles from Aberdeen. Established in 1888, it is now known as Newburgh Links Golf Club and offers an 18-hole course split into two distinct nines: a more modern first nine designed in 1994, and an original second nine that represents pure Scottish links golf. The club provides separate booking routes for members and visitors through its BRS system.

Where is the club located?

The club sits on the Aberdeenshire coast in Scotland, under 15 miles from Aberdeen. The course looks out over the Ythan Estuary, Forvie Sand Dunes, Newburgh Beach, and the North Sea.

What kind of course is it?

It is a championship links course with a layout that deliberately contrasts two styles of golf:

Section Character Features
First 9 (designed 1994) More modern feel Tiered greens, undulating landscapes, views over the estuary, dunes, beach, and North Sea
Second 9 (original) Pure Scottish links Described by National Club Golfer's Top 100 Courses as "Old Fashioned links golf at its finest"

The first nine includes quirky features such as a stone wall running through the fairway of the 4th hole, known as "Drovers." After visiting in 2015 while writing A Course Called Scotland, Golfers Journal senior writer Tom Coyne said the hole "made it directly onto my list of the top holes in Scotland."

How do you book a tee time?

The club runs bookings through its BRS system, with two separate entry points on the website:

  • Member booking — for club members.
  • Visitor booking — for guests and visiting golfers.

Tee times and results are also accessible via the "How Did I Do" platform linked from the site. A downloadable brochure is available on the homepage if you want course and club details before booking.

Who is it for?

The club presents itself as a hidden gem combining history, a distinctive course layout, and a friendly membership. It suits:

  • Visiting golfers looking for traditional Scottish links golf within easy reach of Aberdeen.
  • Golfers interested in a course with two contrasting nines rather than a uniform 18 holes.
  • Anyone researching historic Scottish clubs — it has been established since 1888.

If you want to check availability, current green fees, or visitor conditions, use the visitor booking link on the club's website, as those details are handled through the BRS system rather than published on the homepage.