Visually stunning Royal Aberdeen Golf Club among the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies just north of the city of Aberdeen in Scotland's northeast. The exposed coastline on the North Sea gives way to dramatic dunes that provide a more visually stunning setting than Fife's primarily flat links golf courses.

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world and host of the 2005 Senior British Open won by Tom Watson, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic golf courses.

The front nine is the superior half, playing inside and atop the massive dunes, while the back nine is further inland. Royal Aberdeen is also the home club of 2006 U.S. Amateur Champion Richie Ramsey, the first Scot to win the title since 1898.

Murcar Links Golf Club is right next door and visible from Royal Aberdeen's 10th tee.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies just north of the city of Aberdeen in Scotland's northeast.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen G.C.

Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen G.C.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club hosted the 2005 Senior British Open won by Tom Watson.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies just north of the city of Aberdeen in Scotland's northeast.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen G.C.

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies just north of the city of Aberdeen in Scotland's northeast.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen GC

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club hosted the 2005 Senior British Open won by Tom Watson.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen GC

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies just north of the city of Aberdeen in Scotland's northeast.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Royal Aberdeen is the sixth oldest golf club in the world.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club hosted the 2005 Senior British Open won by Tom Watson.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Touted as the sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Aberdeen is also regarded as one of the most difficult of Scotland's classic courses.

Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf