Newmachar (Hawkshill)

Located close to the centre of Aberdeen, Newmachar is one of the most progressive golf clubs in this area of Scotland, boasting two exceptional 18-hole courses. Dave Thomas designed all 36 holes here at Newmachar and the Swailend opened for play in the summer of 1997, with the Hawkshill opening in the autumn of 1990. In common with all his designs, well-shaped and prominent bunkering is a key feature.

The Swailend course is the shorter and easier test of golf at Newmachar, measuring 6,388 yards from the back tees against a par of 72. The course is set on gently rolling ground and its look and feel is changing year by year as the thousands of saplings which were planted back in 1997 are beginning to put down their roots.

The Hawkshill took more than ten years to evolve from the first steering committee meeting in 1979 to its opening. Land had to be acquired (leased from the local Council) and planning permission granted before 135 acres of arable fields, rough grazing, heathland and bog were transformed into 18 golf holes over a four year period, beginning in the summer of 1986.

There is nothing easy about the Hawkshill, which measures 6,730 yards from the back tees. With par set at 72 and the SSS set at 74, the story is clear: this is definitely one of Aberdeen's most challenging courses. A watery grave waits on five holes (1, 9, 10, 13 and 17), and, of course, Thomas's clever bunkering is also there to catch you out.

Despite its youth, the Hawkshill looks and feels more mature than its tender years, mainly due to the stately pine and birch trees, which flank the fairways. For us, it's these wooded holes that provide the most enjoyment and it's here on these fairways that it's easy to draw a parallel with the Rosemount or Lansdowne courses at Blairgowrie.

Newmachar is an excellent golf club with a tremendous clubhouse and two contrasting but complementary courses. A day's golf here will not only be memorable, but will represent fantastic value for money. Save your best golf for the Hawkshill course, though. You'll need it.