Golf Course Recommendations for a trip from North West England to North East Scotland

[Diamond]

As the title suggests I am going to plan a trip to the North East coast of Scotland. It’s quite a jaunt so I was thinking about playing a course somewhere half way day 1 and a stopover then onto Banff & Buchan and playing a good local course Day 2 in the area followed by a hidden gem day 3 and then day 4 travel back south and play a course on the way back to the North West.

Main course requirements:
1) We are at the level of golf where £40/£50 is top end for a round however for a good quality course happy to pay double that or maybe more at least on day 2 near Aberdeen.
2) Not too difficult and nearer 6000 yards off yellows than 7000 yards.
3) 25 minute drive or less from a hotel with places to eat and drink in the evening.

I know Royal Aberdeen will be £195 and this would be a bit too pricey especially as we are looking to play 4 courses during the trip.

Thanks

 

[stefanovic]

Royal Tarlair near Banff has a cracking hole called the Clivet.
Cullen and Hopeman are very attractive too.
These should be well within your price range

 

[Diamond]

Thanks Stefanovic, much appreciated.

 

[abjectplop]

Maybe too late depending on when your trip is but would recommend Fraserburgh (classic links £60), and Duff House (Alistair McKenzie parkland £70). Worth contacting both to see if they can do a slightly cheaper green fee depending on the of day.