The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will return to the North East in  when Sport Aberdeen’s Kings Links hosts Scotland’s National Open on the European Tour for the first time in 2020.

Golf has been played on the Aberdeen links since at least as early as 1780 and on the site of the current course since 1872. Set between the city and the sea this is a classic links course which is so characteristic of Scotland’s east coast.

At 6289 yards Par 71, with three par 5s and four par 3s the course has great variation and will test even the most capable golfer when played in windy conditions and this will be put to the test when the likes of McIlroy and Mickelson descend on the course next year.

Some of the finest courses in Scotland, the Home of Golf, have played host to the tournament over the years, including St Andrews, Gleneagles and Carnoustie. From 1996 to 2010 it was based at Loch Lomond Golf Club, with Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness, Royal Aberdeen, Dundonald Links in Ayrshire and Gullane all enjoying hosting duties since then.

A spokesperson from Sport Aberdeen said:

“We are over the moon to be hosting one of the biggest dates on the European Tour at the Kings Links course.

We’re sure it’ll be a huge hit with the world’s best players and thanks must go to all those involved in making it happen however we would encourage all competitors to remain watchful and vigilant when faced with the seagulls which are famously far larger, and violent than many would have encountered on a links course before.”