With the recent announcement that the Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am will be back again on 28-30 April 2021, we thought we’d take a look at the best par 3s in Aberdeen on offer for competitors at the tournament.
Launched in 2019, The Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am is a 3-day Pro-Am tournament staged at 3 of the world’s finest links golf courses. This competitive, fun and social event comprises of 78 teams of 4 golfers (3 amateurs and 1 professional) who will battle it out over 3 days of golf at Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen and Trump International.
After all 3 rounds of golf are complete, all golfers will then attend a banquet prizegiving dinner at the Marcliffe Hotel, hosted by Alan Tait and including a comedy golf video from the 3 days of golf and also some after-dinner speeches from legends of the golfing world. In 2019 TV legend Dougie Donnelly and Ryder Cup hero Sam Torrance delivered a riveting and hilarious after dinner Q & A.
So . . . in anticipation of the return of the Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am in 2021, here are our top 5 par 3s of the tournament.
5) 3rd | Trump International
This is the first par 3 on the modern links at Balmedie. Not a long par 3, weighing in at 165 yards, but there’s sufficient danger for anyone who over clubs with water and bad lies lurking over the back. The green isn’t overly protected by bunkers but there is a deep one to the right edge waiting for an errant tee shot. The hole is usually played into the prevailing wind which will usually cause golfers cause for concern. Club selection is crucial to hitting this green in regulation.
4) 17th | Royal Aberdeen
Number 17 at Royal Aberdeen is a key ingredient of a demanding final stretch of holes. Played toward the north sea, the final par 3 on the Balgownie Links is fully exposed to winds that will almost certainly affect club selection. With no wind, it plays 180 yards and missing long spells an almost certain double bogey. Missing this short, left or right will require your best short game to salvage a par.
3) 13th | Trump International
The 13th at Trump International is the first par 3 on the back 9 and will unnerve even the most proficient of ball strikers. Measuring 180 yards over a valley towards enormous dunes this hole is often played through a crosswind and is one of the most visually stunning par 3s out there. It’s all about carry and accuracy to land safely on this green.
2) 4th | Cruden Bay
As is the case with all links golf courses, the wind will play a huge part in how you decide to play this hole. Even on a calm day the 4th at Cruden Bay will strike fear into most golfers, and when the wind blows any shot that ends up pin high or better is a good shot. Anything missing short will roll all the way down the hill and your next shot will be one of the hardest up & downs in the world.
1) 8th | Royal Aberdeen
After 7 holes played with the prevailing wind, when you reach the 8th tee you’ll turn round and play your first shot of the day into the wind on this small but treacherous par 3. Measuring just 135 yards, the green is surrounded by 10 pot bunkers, all posing the risk of a double bogey . . . or worse. Any tee shot that ends up on the putting surface is a great result and brings par or better into the equation. A masterful par 3.
If you’re interested in entering a team into the 2021 Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am, click HERE for more information.
