YOU have to go back to 1978 for the last time a Scottish golf club was granted the royal seal of approval. Half a century later the rare honour has been handed out once again - the only surprise is perhaps that this club didn't ALREADY have it. Royal Troon, famously the host of several Open Championships, was the last golf club in Scotland to have the 'Royal' designation bestowed on it. The Ayrshire venue had hosted the tournament three times by 1978 (is centenary year) and since then another six Opens have been held on its Old Course, most recently in 2024. The club on the receiving end of the most recent regal title doesn't have its eyes on hosting events like The Open any time soon but it has a selling point that's perhaps even more unique... Because it's the King's back garden. Balmoral Golf Club in Aberdeenshire used to be open to only the Royal Family, those who worked on the Balmoral Estate and their families. But a few years ago they dropped that exclusivity (slightly) by opening the course up to the public on a select number of days a year. The first hole, named Victoria & Albert, is flanked by statues of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and there are several pointers throughout the course that you are teeing it up on royal ground - not least its pristine condition. Running alongside the first hole is a field home to a herd of royal horses, a reminder of a favourite pastime of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne. While not an avid golfer herself, Queen Elizabeth II is reported to have personally presented trophies for the men’s club championship and the men’s handicap club championship during the nineties on her visits to the estate. The backdrop to the sixth and seventh holes is Craig Gowan House, a private residence often used by the Royals during their time in Scotland. And the final hole on the course is aptly named The King’s Fountain. The course has nine holes but 18 tees, meaning that it can play to a total yardage of 4,825 yards and a par of 67 for men. For women, the course is 4,459 yards with a par of 68. To this day the Duke of York regularly plays the course and both Prince William and Harry, as well as Prince Edward and Mike and Zara Phillips have walked the estate's fairways. The layout benefits not only from its majestic location within the royal residence but from its proximity to the River Dee, offering an element of serenity to the round, set amongst mature pine trees. The course first opened in 1925 but going into 2023 the club itself was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary. And that prompted ladies captain Mandy Cruickshank to personally write to one of King Charles' private secretaries in the hope they would grant them the title of Royal Balmoral Golf Club. Mandy told the Press & Journal: “We have had a course here since the 1920s, but the golf club was formed in 1973 and we started playing competitions. “As 2023 was going to be our 50th anniversary and the King’s coronation, I thought how lovely it would be to get royal in the name. “I took it upon myself to find out how you would go about doing that and I wrote to one of the King’s private secretaries. “That was in October 2023, and I didn’t get a reply until April 2024 when I was told it was actually the Scottish Government you have to write to. “I wrote to the Scottish Government, but as our anniversary year had passed, I left that bit out. “Sadly we were rejected, but they said it wasn’t a reflection on the club, it was just that it was very rare these titles were handed out – but they said we could reapply if we were celebrating an anniversary. “So I wrote back and put in a copy of my letter from 2023 about the club’s 50th anniversary and we then got a letter back saying it was approved. “We found out at the end of February, but we kept it secret until our AGM in March and we told the members then.” Men's captain George Davidson added: “Everyone seems to be delighted. It is a great honour for the club.” While open to the public, a round isn't cheap. Green fees are £75, or £200 for a four-ball booking. This does however entitles you to more than a round of golf, with access to the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, gift shop and café also included. Royal Balmoral is open the visitors on a first-come, first-served basis during May, June and July. Corporate outings can also be booked. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page