Aberdeen Golf Club is patterned after the Scottish links golf courses. While not situated on actual sea-side linksland, its playing characteristics are quite reminiscent of the classic Scottish golfing venues. Aberdeen's greens typically invite running shots, as a constant wind will be a factor in a round of golf here. Scottish courses are known for deep pot bunkering with sod wall faces; Aberdeen also has this attribute on several holes. The most recognizable Scottish trait that golfers will notice is the dune mounding that defines the rough on the sides of each hole at Aberdeen. To give each hole its own integrity, some grasses on the dunes are permitted to grow long. Burns, recognizable as drainage canals, also appear throughout the course. These not only facilitate drainage but provide strategy on the golf course. Aberdeen also has two double greens as does St. Andrews; the first and sixth holes share a green, as do the ninth and eighteenth holes, whose double green wraps around Loch Myst.
In keeping with Scottish tradition, the holes have been named. There are two lakes on the course, and while this is contrary to a true links style course, they are necessary to furnish a water supply for the wall to wall irrigation system. "Wee Loch" is the first body of water encountered on the second and third holes, and affects strategy on the second hole. The second and larger of the two bodies of water, "Loch Myst," lies between the ninth and eighteenth holes from tee to green. This hazard is certain to get the attention of all players.
