Portlethen Golf Club was founded in 1981 with the aim of adding to the social life of the golfing fraternity in the village of Portlethen, at that time, a village of some 1500 residents. Willie Donald, Managing Director of Donalds of Portlethen and a local landowner, gifted 138 acres of land to the local community for the course. Title of the land was transferred to Kincardine & Deeside District Council who leased the land back to the Club and provided sufficient finance for construction of the course and clubhouse. The course was designed by Donald Steel, the world-renowned golf course architect, and was open for play in 1989. Over the years, further clubhouse facilities have been added to cater for conferencing, social, functions and dining, as well as the game of golf - enjoy "The Portlethen Experience".