A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Aberdeenshire
Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Plate II — Parkland course — tree-lined fairways, year-round play
Parkland in Ellon town. Natural stop on the route from Aberdeen to Cruden Bay.
From the Notebook
McDonald Golf Club is an 18-hole parkland course in the town of Ellon, 15 miles north of Aberdeen on the A90 — exactly on the route between Aberdeen and Cruden Bay. Founded 1891, the course uses the river meadow and woodland ground around the town, with the River Ythan running alongside several holes on the inward nine.
Par 70, 5,991 yards. The layout is honest parkland without dramatic ambition — wide fairways, the river as a consistent strategic element, and greens that play true throughout the season. The 13th, played alongside the Ythan with an approach over the river, is the most remembered hole. The club is well-run and welcoming to visiting golfers.
Green fee is £35–50. For golfers making the Cruden Bay pilgrimage from Aberdeen, McDonald provides a useful warm-up or wind-down round at a practical stopping point. Arriving the night before a Cruden Bay tee time and playing McDonald that afternoon is an efficient use of the journey; equally, a McDonald round after Cruden Bay on the way back south makes a comfortable two-round day.
The Full Scorecard
Plan This Round
Where to Stay
Hotels, lodges and self-catering near the first tee. Map-style search via Stay22 covering Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and Vrbo.
How to Get There
Aberdeen (ABZ) is 30 minutes away by car. Train + onward taxi works for the carless visitor.
Insure Your Round
Most home contents policies don't cover golf clubs in transit. The picker matches you to the right kind of cover in two minutes.
Played here? Consider
Course-tuned recommendations, not generic gear lists.
Outerwear
The mid-weight option for parkland — fully waterproof but lighter than the wind-spec links jackets. Packs into a back-pocket pouch when the sun comes out.
Layer
Scotland's premium sportswear name. Cut for a swing rather than a jog; the moisture-wicking suits warmer parkland rounds where the wind isn't doing the work.
Tech
Tree-lined parkland holes are exactly the situation where a rangefinder pays for itself. The V6's slope mode is allowed in any non-tournament round.
★ The Sunday Post ★
One short Scottish-golf email every Sunday. No sales pitch.
The Sunday Post
One email, most Sundays. No sales pitch.
Stays Nearby
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Ellon. Tap any property to check rates.
Rates and availability via Stay22. We may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work.
Frequently Asked
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