TAXItravel

The North-East is very much in the limelight at the moment with American entrepreneur Donald Trump planning a new resort and course at Balmedie near Aberdeen and local boy Paul Lawrie, winner of the 1999 Open title, building a course at the Blairs Estate on the River Dee.

With the 2011 Walker Cup to be played over Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie Links, the region is now not just regarded as the place to fish for salmon and trout but also to bag a few birdies, too.

Golf has been an important component of the area since 1565 when there was a reference made to a golf hole in the city of Aberdeen, known as the 'Silver City by the Sea' because its building of silvery grey granite sparkle in the sunlight, and there is an abundance of courses of all types to ensure that the visiting golfer will never be disappointed.

Royal Aberdeen, founded in 1780 is the sixth oldest golf club in the world and its Balgownie Links is a challenging championship course set amongst hill, sand and sea. While a great experience, it is not for the faint-hearted. If you are a competent player, be prepared for a test of your ability. If not, bring plenty of balls.

To the North, Cruden Bay wends between towering dunes and knee-high rough and is one of the finest examples of a traditional Scottish links course. If that is not enough to give you a nightmare then the brooding presence of the ruins of Slains Castle might. They dominate the first three holes and reportedly were the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula novel.

There's golf in the centre of Aberdeen at Hazlehead and King's Links in the shadow of Aberdeen FC's Pittodrie stadium. If you want to rub shoulders with royalty you won't get on the Balmoral course inland, which is for members of the royal family and staff, but Ballater is next door. With a spectacular coastline, the scenery is amazing especially at Stonehaven, Peterhead, Fraserburgh, where golf was first played in 1613, Rosehearty and Royal Tarlair to name a few.

In fact, there's something for everyone.