Winter is a good time to clear the mind and start fresh and where better to do that than escaping to the open air for a relaxing game of golf. Courses in Aberdeen and Grampian are open all year round and winter is the perfect opportunity to play some of Scotland's top courses while enjoying quiet fairways and discounted green fees. Honesty boxes for collecting green fees can be found at many courses where clubhouse facilities do not remain open, a charming feature of golfing in the area over winter. Simply put your green fee in the box and play to your hearts content. Here are just a few of the courses throughout Aberdeen and Grampian welcoming visitors during the winter months. Alford Golf Course
18 holes - 5,483 yards, telephone 019755 62178. This parkland course set in scenic Aberdeenshire is an ideal length for a round of golf in winter. Moving to winter greens from November, green fees are reduced by fifty percent during the winter months, which means great value for money with a weekday round costing just £10 and weekend round £12.50. The clubhouse opens every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays when an honesty box will be in operation. Full catering is available all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday and catering for lunches/snacks is available Monday and Wednesday from 11am- 3pm. Aboyne Loch Golf Centre
9 holes - 5,230 yards, telephone 013398 86444. Recognised as the most scenic, fun and challenging 9 hole course on Royal Deeside, play on summer greens at Aboyne Loch throughout the winter with green fees reduced by around twenty percent. The Lodge on the Loch restaurant, clubhouse and functions rooms are all open twelve months of the year. Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course
18 holes - 6,495 yards, telephone 01807 500305. This Donald Steel designed course nestles amidst mature trees on the banks of the River Avon, with magnificent views of the surrounding hills and woods in the heart of Malt Whisky country. Winter golf at Ballindalloch may be played daily, weather permitting. When frost is on the ground teeing off is normally after 10am. Winter green fees are £10 for adults and £5 for juniors whether playing 9, 14 or 18 holes. Although the clubhouse does not remain open, an honesty box system is in operation at the front door. Cullen Golf Course
18 holes - 4,597 yards, telephone 01542 840685. This links course makes the most of nature's gifts, a beach, sea stacks and slopes that give inspiration to the game. Take out winter membership at Cullen for £40 or alternatively play a round of golf for £8 on winter greens and fairway mats. If the office and bar are closed, tickets may be obtained from greens staff, or play and pay later. The bar is closed all day Tuesday during winter months. Clubs and trolleys can be hired and bookings for outings can be arranged with full catering. Peterculter Golf Club
18 holes - 6,207 yards, telephone 01224 735245. Set on beautiful Royal Deeside, take time to enjoy spectacular views of the river Dee. Golf at Peterculter Golf Club continues throughout the winter period, November-March, although play to the summer greens is dependent on the ground conditions. When there is a frost situation players can play to the sixteen temporary greens. The course opens for play from 8.30am each day and the clubhouse is open seven days per week, Monday-Thursday during daylight hours and Friday-Sunday until 7pm. The Pro Shop is also open seven days, 8.30am until dusk (tel: 01224 734994). It is advisable to phone for tee time availability and whether temporary or summer greens are in play for the day. Tarland Golf Course
9 holes - 5,528 yards, telephone 013398 81000. This parkland course is located close to the heart of Royal Deeside in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Tarland golf course remains open throughout the winter months despite the fact that the clubhouse is closed from November to March. Visitors are welcome to play on winter greens upon payment of a £5 green fee deposited in the honesty box at the clubhouse. For more information on the 70 courses throughout Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands visit: www.golf-grampian.com The website features a golf course directory and locator maps as well as details of events and golf breaks. For further information on other attractions open during the winter months in Aberdeen and Grampian, visit: www.aberdeen-grampian.com You can also order a free copy of the Official Guide to Golf in Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands by calling 0845-22-55-121 or order online at: www.golf-grampian.com | 
Golfing Destinations
