But to start at the beginning when life and setting were different. The 19th century local economy was supported by Landowners and gentry, who, in pursuit of a fashionable pastime introduced golf to Aboyne in 1874. Although details are vague it is known that play took place over nine holes laid out on the village greens with. Sir Alexander Lyon. Lord Provost of Aberdeen, a regular sight in his Royal Aberdeen Golf Club red reefer jacket, It was ten years later, in 1883, before the Club was founded mainly due to the efforts of Mr WE Nicol of Ballogie (Captain), Dr Keith from Aboyne and the Rev. Dr. Drummond minister al Birse.

The local stationmaster Mr Forgie was the first secretary. Subscriptions and membership were 2/6 each and the grand total of £3 was received from the 24 members! Play continued in the village until 1905 when the present site was leased from Ean Cecil of Aboyne Castle estate and nine holes laid out beside the loch, mainly on the present inward half. By 1908, with the assistance of Archie Simpson, Professional at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, the course was extended to eighteen holes and to celebrate this and the erection of "a fine new pavilion" a grand opening was performed before 150 invited guests by Lord Aberdeen. Further alterations to the course in 1913 lengthened it to 5010 yards ("Bogey" 74) an event marked with an exhibition match between the famous Professionals Harry Vardon and Ted Ray (scoring 65 and 69 respectively).

Throughout this time the real driving force at the club was C C Smith postmaster al Aboyne and secretary from 1905, remembered to this day as the mainstay until he retired in 1939. By now the club had 49 lady members affiliated to the LGU, a professional Mr Curtis was in attendance for the summer months and there were two tennis courts beside the 18th fairway. Perhaps it could be claimed that Aboyne was the original golf and country club! But it all came to a cruel end in 1914 with the outbreak of the Great War and things were never to he the same again.

However, in these pre-First World War days the course and club flourished to the extent that the committee authorised, for the first time, the purchase of a horse ‘Prince’ since this was cheaper than hiring one. Prince wore heavy leather boots to prevent his hooves leaving marks on the course, and was housed in a shed amongst the trees behind the eighteenth green.