19. Royal Aberdeen Balgownie – Top 100 UK and Ireland golf courses 2012

Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie golf course in Scotland has been ranked number 19 in Golf Monthly's top 100 UK and Ireland golf courses 2012

Royal Aberdeen Balgownie

Architect: Robert and Archie Simpson, Tom Simpson, JH Taylor, James Braid and Donald Steel Stats: 6,497 yds, par 71, SSS 73 GF: £120 per round, £170 per day Visitor information: Weekdays, and weekends after 15:30, check website for details W: royalaberdeengolf.com 2010 Ranking: 21 (up 2) Improvements since 2010 Rankings: Course: Redesign of 15th hole by Martin Hawtree

Panellists' Comments: "The challenge provided is for the stout of heart and phlegmatic of temperament"; "If you haven't fallen maddeningly in love with Balgownie by the 4th hole there is definitely something missing from your links' taste buds"; "Royal Aberdeen is a wolf in sheep's clothing - beautiful on the outside but a monster underneath."

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