Kippie Lodge Sports & Leisure

Eighteen holes carved out of Aberdeenshire countryside, about six miles west of Aberdeen proper. Kippie Lodge is a proper working golf course that takes itself seriously without being stuffy about it. The layout's straightforward - nothing too mad - and the greens are well-maintained even in the Scottish weather that tends to throw everything at you.

If you're a golfer staying at Deeside Holiday Park nearby, this is an obvious choice. Three-quarters of a mile is barely a drive and a chip away. The course suits mid-handicappers just fine; it's not going to humiliate you, but it won't bore experienced players either. Walking it takes a leisurely four-and-a-half hours, which is standard. The routing keeps you moving without rushing, and the fairways give you room to breathe.

What works best here is that it doesn't pretend to be St Andrews. It's a local track with genuine character, the kind of place where the pro shop staff actually know the course inside out rather than reading from a script. Green fees aren't extortionate for what you get. Winter's a mixed bag - you'll get fewer golfers around, but the ground gets properly waterlogged, so spring and autumn tend to play better.

Worth a round if you're in the area for a few days and the weather plays ball. Facilities are decent without being fancy. Book ahead during weekends, especially in summer.