Golf -- Aberdeen has a good range of golf courses in and around the city, with several other notable courses within an easy drive. As always, reservations are essential at any course. If the two below don't suit you, ask the tourist office for details on other options.
Among the top courses is Balgownie, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (tel. 01224/702-571), created in 1780 in classic links style. An uneven layout, sea breezes, and grassy sand dunes add to the challenge of this 6,415-yard, par-70 course. Greens fees are £100 ($190) per round, or £150 ($285) per day, Monday to Friday, and after 3pm on weekends. A letter of introduction is required to play here.
About 11km (7 miles) west of Aberdeen, the par-69 West Hills Golf Course, West Hill Heights, West Hill Skene (tel./fax 01224/740-159), features 5,849 yards of playing area. Greens fees are £20 ($38) Monday through Friday, or £25 ($48) Saturday and Sunday.