Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club was founded in 1888 and was originally a nine hole course of 1 mile and 401 yards in length. The course was laid out on the Newburgh Links which is located between the Foveran Burn and the River Ythan.
In 1897, Crown Prince Vajiravudh of Siam stayed for one month at the village hotel - The Udny Arms - and spent his time learning to play golf on the links course. He was instructed by the professional of the day Mr. Bob Taylor. The prince had completed his military training at Sandhurst and was studying History & Law at Christ Church, Oxford at the time of his Scottish break. Vajiravudh went on to be King and ruled Siam (now Thailand) from 1910 until his death in 1925.
The original patron of the Club was John H. Udny of Udny - a distant relation of the Earl of Aberdeen. He remained President of the Club until the outbreak of World War II.
On 7 September, 1912, an eighteen hole course was opened on the same area of Links ground but after the First World War it returned to being a nine hole course, the design of which is credited to a Mr McAndrew, who as a professional at Cruden Bay, claims old Tom Morris as his inspiration. The course is now an 18 hole championship links.
The front nine is characterised by undulations and hills, with elevated tees and greens requiring a range of shot making. The inward nine demands accurate golf from tee to green and is the epitome of the typical Scottish links course. The links golf course is highly regarded for the speed and quality of its greens, its playability regardless of the weather conditions and its magnificent setting.
A stunning contemporary clubhouse was officially opened by the former British Open Champion, Paul Lawrie in 2001. The club is a mere 2 miles directly along the coastline from the proposed Trump International Links Golf course which is being built by Donald Trump.
Three club competitions have been running for over 100 years. They are the "Loutit Medal" - 1892; the "Horn Cup" - 1897; and the "Jopp Cup" - 1902. The club is also ranked in the top 100 of the oldest golfing locations in the world.
Highlights
The club is ranked in the top 100 of the oldest golfing locations in the world.
The championship links course is 2 miles from the Donald Trump International Links
Coming from Aberdeen north on the A90, turn right onto the A975 (sign posted "Newburgh", "Cruden Bay"). As you enter the town, turn right at the Ythan Hotel. 20 minutes in a taxi from Dyce International Airport, Aberdeen (approx. £25).
