The unification comes shortly before the 250th anniversary celebrations…
Royal Aberdeen and Aberdeen Ladies are now one golf club.
The clubs say the decision is the “latest step in its evolution” following a 2018 vote to permit mixed-gender membership. The formal integration took effect on September 1, 2026.
Founded in 1780 as The Society of Golfers at Aberdeen, the club is just 45 years younger than the Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh, which is believed to be the oldest. It changed its name to The Aberdeen Golf Club in 1815, before officially adding ‘royal’ prefix in 1903 – several years after it started using it against the monarchy’s wishes.
Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club was born in 1892 and has shared the championship Balgownie course since, as well as the shorter Silverburn course.
Royal Aberdeen’s captain, Laurence McLeod, described it as a “landmark day for both clubs and an important day in history”, adding: “Most importantly, this integration strengthens the future of golf at Balgownie. It creates a clearer pathway for junior golfers, particularly girls and young women, and brings together two clubs that share a common heritage and ambition.”
Carron Taylor, captain of Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club, said: “This is a proud day for Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club and a positive vote for the future. Our members have embraced the opportunity to join with Royal Aberdeen in creating a stronger club for future generations. We are particularly excited about the opportunities this creates for young golfers and for the continued growth of women’s golf at Balgownie.”
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club captain Laurence McLeod and Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club captain Carron Taylor sign the agreement to unite the two clubs.
High profile tournaments to have been held over the Balgownie course include the Scottish Open – during which Rory McIlroy broke the still unbeaten course record with a 64 before Justin Rose went on to win – and the 2005 Senior British Open, when five-time Claret Jug winner Tom Watson was victorious.
Royal Aberdeen, which will celebrate its 250th year in 2030, has also hosted the Walker Cup and Amateur Championship.