The 8th, Royal Aberdeen, chosen by Ritchie Ramsay.
Last Updated: 12/07/16 9:21am
The course
The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club has a long and rich history. Founded in 1780, the club is the 6th oldest club in the world, with the outward nine of Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie Links believed to be among the best stretches of links in the world. Created by James Braid, the course, at 6,843 yards, and boasts a spectacular layout that transforms through great sand hills with many elevated tees and panoramic views.
Visually a great looking hole. A long narrow green surrounded by classic links pot bunkers. I have seen 2 to 9 made here so massive scope for scores and club selection with a long green. It simply rewards good shots and playing into the prevailing wind makes it a great challenge.
Ritchie Ramsay
The hole
The 8th at Royal Aberdeen is a par 3, spanning 144 yards. The hole is renowned for being the course's signature hole, with challenging conditions that change from day to day. A direct approach is recommended to reach the green, which is surrounded by nine imposing bunkers.
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Golf in the Region
Aberdeenshire has a rich golfing history and is home to over 50 stunning courses. Hazlehead No. 1 is a challenging parkland course, widely regarded as one of the best courses in the North East of Scotland which requires accuracy to navigate between the gorse and woodland hazards. Fraserburgh is a stunning coastal course, boasting spectacular views among the sand dunes. Founded in 1777, the course is the seventh oldest golf club in the world.
Sitting 1,200 feet above sea level, Braemar Golf Club is the highest 18-hole course in Britain, with magnificent views and fine greens. Another cliff-top course overlooking the North Sea is Stonehaven, which boasts dramatic short holes played over deep gullies and beautiful greens. The course also overlooks the ancient fortress of Dunnottar Castle. While the Trump International Golf Links on the stunning Aberdeenshire coast is said to be one of the most ambitious golf courses ever created.
19th hole and beyond
Aberdeen City is a prosperous, cosmopolitan destination with stunning architecture and museums which capture the fascinating history of the area. A vibrant art, culture and social scene are present all around the stunning city, with the famous 'Granite Mile' (Union Street) boasting over 800 shops, restaurants and bars.
Alternatively discover more castles per acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in the UK. Follow The Castle Trail and discover gems such as fairytale Crathes Castle or the Royal residence of Balmoral Castle, plus hundreds more.
For the foodie, there's fantastic local produce right on your doorstep. Visit a local farmers market or learn new skills at the Nick Nairn Cook School. You're also at the gateway to the famous Malt Whisky Trail. Whatever you do, you'll definitely leave with a true taste of Scotland.
For more on what this stunning region has to offer click here.
