125 Years of Legendary Links Golf at Cruden Bay
Nestled along Scotland's rugged Aberdeenshire coast, Cruden Bay Golf Club is one of the country’s most iconic and picturesque golf courses. Founded in 1899, this links course offers a perfect blend of traditional Scottish golf, stunning coastal scenery, and a challenging layout that captivates golfers from all over the world.
Cruden Bay’s origins are steeped in history, with the course commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway Company to attract tourists to the area. Originally designed by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson, two of golf's most influential early course architects, Cruden Bay was intended to embody the spirit of classic links golf. The course layout has evolved over time, but it remains faithful to the traditional elements that have made it a beloved destination for golfers seeking an authentic Scottish experience.
Cruden Bay Golf Club is a par-70 course that stretches to 6,609 yards from the back tees. It is renowned for its combination of strategic design, natural beauty, and the variety of challenges it offers golfers of all levels. The course winds through towering sand dunes, with narrow fairways, deep pot bunkers, and undulating greens, all of which create a formidable test of golf. Wind is also a constant factor at Cruden Bay, with its exposed position on the North Sea coast ensuring that even the calmest days present a challenge.
One of the defining characteristics of Cruden Bay is its variety of holes, each offering something unique. The opening holes introduce players to classic links golf with wide, rolling fairways and a clear view of the sea. However, as golfers progress through the course, they encounter more dramatic and intricate holes set among the towering dunes.
Two of the most talked about holes at Cruden Bay are the 4th and the 14th.
The 4th hole, named "Port Erroll," is a stunning par-3 that plays downhill toward the sea, with a backdrop of cliffs and waves crashing in the distance. It’s both visually striking and strategically challenging, with deep bunkers protecting the green and the unpredictable coastal wind adding to the difficulty.
The 14th hole, known as "Blin' Dunt," is one of the most unique in golf. A blind par-4, it requires golfers to aim for a marker post and trust that their shot will land safely on the fairway over the large dune that obscures their view. The hole encapsulates the quirky, adventurous nature of links golf and is often a favourite among those who play at Cruden Bay.
In addition to its golfing challenge, Cruden Bay is celebrated for its breathtaking setting. The course offers panoramic views of the North Sea, Slains Castle (believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s *Dracula*), and the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside. The rugged, unspoiled landscape adds to the course's charm, making it a truly immersive experience for golfers who appreciate both the sport and the natural beauty that surrounds it.
Cruden Bay is known not only for its world-class course but also for the warm welcome it extends to visitors. The clubhouse, which sits on a hill overlooking the course and the North Sea, provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where players can relax before or after their round. The staff are welcoming, and the club’s history is proudly displayed throughout the facility, offering visitors a sense of the deep tradition that defines Cruden Bay.
Cruden Bay Golf Club is consistently ranked among the best courses in Scotland, often appearing in the top 100 golf courses in the world. It offers a challenging, rewarding experience that stays with golfers long after they’ve completed their round. With its combination of historical significance, strategic links design, and stunning natural beauty, Cruden Bay is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the best of Scottish golf.
Whether you’re drawn by the lure of a classic links challenge or the dramatic coastal scenery, Cruden Bay delivers an unforgettable golfing experience that captures the true essence of Scotland’s golfing heritage.
Find out more at crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk,