Nov. 2, 2004 – Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Christmas festivities and escape to the open air for a relaxing round of golf. Imagine quiet fairways and discounted green fees on some of Scotland's top-class golf courses. Pack some turkey sandwiches, escape for a few hours and test out that new driver you've been wanting all year and Santa finally delivers!

Golf courses throughout Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands remain open throughout the winter months and happily welcome you onto their course 365 days a year. Where Club House facilities are not open expect to find an Honesty Box waiting for you. Here are a few examples of courses throughout Aberdeen and Grampian where festive golfers can enjoy a round or two.

Alford Golf Course 18 holes - 5,438 yards. Telephone 019755 62178 Alford Golf Course, set in beautiful Aberdeenshire, remains open throughout winter offering discounted green fees at £7.50 a round, the Club House will also be open 5 days a week. Catering is also available with a delicious Christmas menu starting from the 1st of December. An Honesty Box in operation for times when the Club House is closed.

Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course 18 holes - 6,567 yards. Telephone: 01807 500305 Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course is a beautiful Highland course resting in the heart of Malt Whisky Country. Throughout the winter months the Club House at Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course is generally manned from 9.30am to 4.30pm. When the Club House is unmanned an Honesty Box can be found.

Winter golf green fees: £7.50 per round per person. (Whether you play 9, 14 or 18
holes). Ballindalloch Winter League Competition Take the challenge and win a prize! This winter at Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course you have the chance to play up to 18 x 18 hole rounds of golf (Nov 04 to Mar 05) for only £5 per round. The best 6 cards submitted by 20th March 05 will be entered into a prize draw. Prizes available for the best 4 golfers and for the worst golfer. (£5 registration fee)

Moray Golf Courses Moray Old: 18 holes - 6,617 yards. Moray New: 18 holes - 6,005 yards. Telephone: 01343 812018. The testing links courses at Lossiemouth welcome golfers all year round. Moray Golf Club remains open, with catering, throughout the winter. Booking in advance is advisable and discounted winter green fees apply from 1st November to 31st March.

Murcar Golf Courses 18 holes - 6,314 yards & 9 holes - 2,684 yards. Telephone 01224 704354. Murcar Golf Club welcomes golfers all year round and in winter you may continue to play on summer greens. Discounted green fees apply in winter. Advance bookings can be made on www.murcar.co.uk or by phone.

Royal Tarlair Golf Course 18 holes - 5,866 yards. Telephone 01261 832897. Festive golfers are welcome and can either book in advance or turn up on the day and pay in the Club House. Enjoy a fantastic round of golf on this coastal course.

Tarland Golf Course 9 holes - 5,528 yards. Telephone: 013398 81000 Tarland Golf Club welcomes golfers every day of the year. The Club House may close from November to March, but this Royal Deeside gem accepts payment from November through to March via an Honesty Box at £5.

For more information:
The above are just a few examples of courses open throughout the winter, for
more information on all 70 golf courses throughout Aberdeen and Grampian
Highlands visit www.golf-grampian. It includes a dedicated golf course directory and locator maps as well as details of events and fantastic golf break deals.

For further media information:
Lynne Maclagan
Leisure Marketing Executive - Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 288835
Fax: +44 (0)1224 288838
Email: lmaclagan@agtb.org