Royal Tarlair Golf Club

The course sits right on the Moray Firth coast, which means you're playing with proper sea views and a stiff wind that'll humble even decent golfers. Royal Tarlair is a genuine links layout - tight fairways, gorse everywhere, and greens that reward precision. Not a forgiving track, but that's rather the point.

This is firmly for golfers. If you can't hit a golf ball, there's not much reason to be here. The layout demands respect and course knowledge, which makes it best suited to players with some experience under their belt. Beginners might find it frustrating rather than fun. You're looking at a proper round - allow three to four hours depending on pace of play.

Macduff sits right on the doorstep, which keeps things convenient. The nearby holiday parks - Myrus is barely a mile away - make it viable to base yourself nearby for a golfing break without having to trek across the region. Wester Bonnyton's another handy option if you prefer a campsite setup.

Due to the coastal location and exposed greens, weather matters. Summer's your best bet, though the Scottish coast rarely gives you a dead calm day. Worth ringing ahead to confirm visitor play policy and green fees, as links courses can be particular about booking protocols.

If you're a golfer visiting Aberdeenshire, this is proper worth the stop. For non-golfers, keep driving.