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Cruden Bay, Scotland |
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Cruden Bay Golf Club
Aulton Road
Cruden Bay
Aberdeenshire
AB42 0NN
Scotland |  | Old Tom Morris, Archie Simpson, Tom Simpson, Herbert Fowler |  | Neil Murray |
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 | +44 (0) 1799 812285 |  | 23 miles N of Aberdeen |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Welcome weekdays – advisable to contact in advance |  | Les Durno |
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Some say golf was played at Cruden Bay way back in the 18th century, but Cruden Bay Golf Club wasn’t formed until at least 100 years later. Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson were commissioned by the Great North of Scotland railway company to design the course and it opened for play in 1899. In 1926, Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler remodelled the layout. Little has since changed.
 The railway company used pink granite to build a luxurious hotel at Cruden Bay, which was nicknamed “the Palace in the Sandhills”. They hoped for the same success as at Gleneagles, but sadly, in 1952, the hotel was demolished. Money was tight in the 1950s and the club and course almost fell by the wayside until three local businessmen stepped in to save Cruden Bay from extinction. A new clubhouse was built in 1961 on the same spot as the hotel but that, too, has disappeared, making way for the present 1998 clubhouse.
Cruden Bay is an inspirational golf course, regarded by some as quirky and considered by others as a masterpiece. Either way, this is a thrilling place to play golf because the designers used the original lie of the land to fantastic effect. Rugged linksland, pebble-dashed with sand dunes as high as three-storey buildings. Elevated tees cut high into the dunes, humped and hollowed fairways bumping their way along to punchbowl greens, nestling in attractive dells. And all set against the backdrop of the steely North Sea.
The 193-yard par three 4th hole is called Port Erroll and is described in A Century of Golf at Cruden Bay as follows: “Thus named because the Water of Cruden runs along the left side of the fairway, with the old fishing village of Port Erroll on the opposite bank. The harbour is itself visible in the near distance. This is one of Simpson’s best par threes and one of Cruden Bay’s best holes. Playing straight towards the sea (and often into the wind) from an elevated tee carved out of one imposing sandhill across a deep grassy hollow to an elevated green carved out of the facing sandhill. The tee shot must carry straight and all the way to the green – it is serious business, indeed.”
Cruden Bay winds its way in a figure of eight through towering dunes. Many of the holes are secluded from each other by the sandhills, enabling that wonderful feeling of intimacy. There are panoramic sea views, a stunning beach, driveable par fours, blind drives, back-to-back par threes. That’s entertainment. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | I have just returned from the golf trip of lifetime with 7 close Aussie mates playing 15 of the top 20 Scottish courses over 15 days. When finished we rated all the courses in terms of our favourite. Cruden Bay came a close 3rd behind Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch.This course was fun, challenging and very compelling. If I ever return to Scotland again, this will certainly be on my list of must plays. The par 3 4th is one of the best par three's I have ever seen. |
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| 25 November 2012
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| | I played Cruden Bay the day before I had the opportunity to play Mr. Trumps incredible new golf course a few miles down the road.
It is not always easy to give a fair judgement of a golf course after just one round. But in the case of Cruden Bay I feel entitled to do so: it is absolutely fantastic. Without doubt one of the jewels in the crown of links golf.
And yes, Cruden Bay has some weaker holes that bring you ‘out of the flow’ now and then. Like being wakened-up out of a nice dream a couple of times. Cruden Bay isn’t a course that gets you high on the first hole on a long continuous trip that lasts until the 19th, like the truly great courses do. But that doesn’t make the experience less enjoyable. At Cruden Bay it is a matter of cherry picking, which leaves a basket full of beautiful holes and plenty of great golf shots.
One critical remark: maintenance could and should be on a slightly higher level.
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| 08 August 2012
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| Response: | | | tom | 24 November 2012 | | If your making the trip to play the main course at Cruden Bay, take the time to get there early and play their 9-hole St Olaf course as well. It's terrific. Not long on the card, due to four short par-3's, but no pushover either. Small greens, deep pot bunkers and gorse lined fairways as well. There are three particularly interesting and memorable holes......the 6th, the 7th and the 8th. The 6th, about 350 yards, where a narrow, 20ft high saddle crosses the fairway at driving distance and you then turn half left and hit (probably) blind to a small, raised and heavily contoured green built on a ledge into the side of a large dune. This is a really tough hole, one of my very favourites in all the holes I've every played anywhere, anytime. The 7th is a very short par-3, maybe 100 yards, often played from the top of a high dune over a deep valley to a very small two-tiered green that backs up into the side of another dune and with a severe run-off and very deep pot bunker in front. Then there's the 8th, about 400 yards back into the prevailing wind with a small green raised about 7 feet above the fairway with steep run-offs at the front and on the left side and with gorse and deep hollows on the other sides. In some ways this hole plays a little like the famous 'foxy' 14th at Dornoch, although not as long and with a much smaller green. The other holes on the St Olaf are fine and interesting as well, but these three holes stand out as something unique and special. Play the St Olaf if you have the opportunity, you won't be disappointed. |
| | As part of the stringent Top100 quality control process,  I felt I just had to check out whether the last reviewer really had a case regarding the comment that Cruden Bay was “not a test of golf”. Admittedly, the course may suit me as I’m a “senior who hits it along the ground” but I can confirm that - despite playing a little above handicap with a notional score of 32 Stableford points - the course is STILL the test of golf that many suspected it might be. Respondents to the last review can no doubt rest easy in bed tonight and they might also take comfort in knowing that I even managed to finish with the same ball I started with - imagine! At this rate, there’s a decent chance that Cruden Bay might just manage to retain its place within the next Top100 golf courses of the World rankings… Jim McCann |
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| 11 July 2012
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| Response: | | | Marty B | 16 August 2012 | | Well written Jim....I will sleep easy knowing that their are golfing folk out there that still appreciate & understand a true piece of golfing land. |
| | | well played it in the open and thought front nine was ok and scored ok on it, doesnt fit well for good players thou and little offline you have a lost ball, green are very small then for the clubs going in, i.e the tightness of the holes would force me to hit 5 irons 6 irons off bare fairways to small greens where if u missed would be another lost ball. the bunkers are just builders sand chucked in and are so so deep, i mean deep as in so much sand in them and dont play like a normal golf bunker. on back nine if you take a driver and think you hit the fairway never assume, as bounces can easily lead to lost ball, if you dont hit the small fairways you have lost ball. also i played lot of stinger 4 irons and hit the fairways with these but the lies on the fairways means a wedge or irons in would be impossible to control as no grass bare muddy and doesnt go through like links grass just digs if divot or bouce, condition was horrible, also dont know where your going too many blind shots on back nine, if your a good player who hits it long and like to play a vararaty of shots high low and have skill its not for you. suited more for the senior who hits it along the ground. castle course and st andrews old i played these in a open and shot under par and played good but they rewad good golf, cruden bay is pot luck and doesnt alow good players to take advantage of length accuracy and skill in types of shots. not a test of golf althou only thing good for is the views. from a scratch player |
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| 10 June 2012
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| Response: | | | Matthew Adams | 10 June 2012 | | Alright then, I’ll bite. You probably made as many mistakes on a tough golf course made as you did typos. Links courses can be temperamental but if you fire at pins into firm, small greens with long clubs then you might need to fine tune your mental approach to the game. I love the democracy of the internet but I wish contributors would spell check at least. As for liking the Castle course... | | | Tom | 10 June 2012 | | If this reviewer's jugdement of golf courses is anything like as bad as his use of the English language I think we can all safely ignore his views which are frankly ridiculous and nonsensical.We all know that Cruden Bay for all its quirks is one of the great golf courses of Scotland. | | | Marty | 11 June 2012 | | Uneducated review. Ignore in full. | | | John | 11 June 2012 | | Everyone is entitled to there own view,BUT i think this review just stinks of a thoughtless golfer who is desperately trying to find some solice after a poor performance. I played in the open and scored poorly but the course was in very good condition no one to blame but myself! | | | Boothie | 13 June 2012 | | To give this course a one ball rating is just plain ludicrous. So you had a couple of bad bounces. Learn to live with them before writing further reviews please. | | | ftfagos | 16 June 2012 | | Rory, this isn't you again is it? | | | David | 20 June 2012 | | Interesting perspective, however, there must be some reason Cruden Bay is often ranked in the Top 50 in the world. It's one of my favorites but I'm not scratch - yet. | | | bob | 22 June 2012 | | I agree with all the replies to the June 10th comment. I thought Cruden Bay was a terrific course and a really good test of golf. The welcome by the Pro and in the Clubhouse was really good as well | | | Kevin | 23 June 2012 | | If this guy is a scratch player my name is Old Tom Morris. What a pile of hare poop. | | | Bob | 25 June 2012 | | We seriously need to do something about golf club technology if this moron is a scratch golfer... | | | cheg | 27 June 2012 | | One of my fave reviews ever. This guy is as amusing as it gets. My only question is what is he doing not playing on the tour. did anyone else read this and think he must have lost ALOT of balls!! Think the only scratch round here is the head type. looking forward to the next review from "a scratch player". Genius. | | | Tim | 13 July 2012 | | Not defending the original comment, but it is clear that English is not his first language, which would lead me to believe he is an international player. And if that is the case, he probably is not used to links golf. Any true golfer would know that links golf requires a different examination in which the golfer must think his or her way around the course. There is no bomb it and pin-seek here! | | | Paul | 07 August 2012 | | Roughly translated, you're saying that: good score = good course, poor score = bad course. | | | Stian | 04 September 2012 | | Hi you Mr "scratch" golfer!! How boring it must be to be an scratch golfer then??? No challenge at all!! We visit the Aberdeen area annually,and have Cruden Bay on our Itinerary each year. Panoramic sea views, driveable par fours, blind drives, humped and hollowed fairways.What more could you ask for?? I come from NORWAY, and I love this place.and I am not a scratch golfer. |
| | | Cruden Bay should be played by all golfers once. Even if it's just to see the view from the clubhouse across the links land below, for it is truly how you would want golf in heaven to look. Well was it heaven on the course, well perhaps yes and no. I had enough interest to make the first round totally enjoyable, but on the second round, I started to question a few of the holes. Not that any are bad, it's just that a few holes don't stand to the quality of the rest. I guess you can say that of most courses, but I mention it as this is obviously a Cruden Bay review. Many will agree, many will pour scorn, but if you still need convincing, read the opening two lines again. The view truly is magnificent. |
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| 04 June 2012
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| | I was a member here in the 80's for several years...recently I had heard the course had lost a bit of it's links feel but having played it last week 'the Bay' is back to it's best Firm,fast and with many upgrades to bunkering,green run offs and new tees,it is looking top notch If you haven't played it for a while,come back...you will see a big difference |
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| 07 April 2012
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| | Cruden Bay is a very enjoyable course and in very good condition. Palyed 2/4/12 and really enjoyed my round. I would definately advise a stroke saver and/or playing with someone familiar to the course as there are alot of places where local knowledge will come in handy. Not a place for belting it, you'll have to think and choose your shots accordingly. Very playable and very pretty. |
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| 03 April 2012
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| | Having been snowed off in 2010, we were delighted to play here this April! I was fully expecting to love Cruden Bay with its stunning location and quirky design, but I was also very pleasantly surprised with the Southern loop that you cant see from the club house. I differ with sdodd in that the 15th was fun and we found both tee shots, but the 14th for me was the highlight with a wonderful green position giving you the chance to play a unique (in my experience) running, gathering approach shot. So pleased to have finally played it, would absolutely love to play it again ! dan |
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| 26 July 2011
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| | I have played in the 4 Day Open this week which has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience in glorious weather. The people involved with the organisation of the event were delightful and it will be a pleasure to return in future years. My favourite spot on the course was standing on the fifth tee on the towering dune looking at the fairway below. |
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| 15 July 2011
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| | Cruden Bay is a magnificent place to be and to play. The fairways may not be as narrow as on some other link courses, but still challenging enough. Of course the holes in the far south corner where you can hear the howling seals are spectacular. Beautiful scenery and a pleasure to be. |
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| 16 June 2011
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| | I fell in love with this course. It has real character and unsurpassed views. Very challenging without being overly punishing, a fantastic day out and one for which I'll make the long journey for next year too. |
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| 15 September 2010
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| | Simply one of the best classic links you will ever play. Totally disagree to the critical reviews. Make the long way and you will be rewarded. Add the great Royal Aberdeen and you cant get more value for your money. Fantastic! |
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| 13 September 2010
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| | At long last I got to play Cruden Bay and now can't wait to return. Those who criticise the course have no golfing soul - the whole experience is wonderful from the moment you arrive to take in the views of the course and the sea set out below you. You think it can't get better but when you reach the 10th tee it does. Quirky in places - yes, but this is golf the way it was meant to be played !!! |
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| 24 August 2010
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| | It is my good fortune to have recently become a Country Member at Cruden Bay and, quite simply, it is a wonderful course if you like your links in the dunes / valleys style (e.g. Prestwick, Turnberry, Royal Aberdeen). Only two of the holes are less than excellent (the 8th and 9th), with the two stetches from 1-6 and 10-16 being filled with all that links golf is about (blinds shots, massive dunes, punishing rough, winding burns, quirky layouts etc). Can't wait to head up again in a few weeks! |
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| 12 July 2010
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| The most interesting feature of the championship links at Cruden Bay is the routing, originally laid out by Old Tom Morris. The journey of the golfer through the links is a memorable one that weaves in and out of the natural links landscape, through the magnificent dunes and along the sea. The view on the 10th tee is especially great of holes 10-14 and of the sea (Bay of Cruden). The quirkiness and blind shots of some of the holes is expressive of the true nature of classic links courses and found in a profound manner here at Cruden Bay.
It is easy to imagine how the landscape would have looked when Old Tom Morris walked the site and put stakes in the ground to indicate tee and green sites. The site feels very natural and like the topography wasn’t touched in order for golf to be played on it today. I think the excellent landscape integration of the course is a very unique feature of the course and sets it apart from many links courses. The routing of the 15th hole is especially special being a long blind par 3. Not only is the hole blind but it is right along the coast and the wind has a major effect on the ball as it enters through the tall dunes as it nears the green. While it is rare to aim for a stake and not the green on a par 3, this is just another unique quality of Cruden Bay. It is interesting to hit your shot and speculate its fate, and as golfers approach the green the result of their shot is revealed to them. This surprise can be a good one or frustrating for those who thought they hit a great shot right over the aiming stake and cannot find their ball amongst the dunes and long native grass.
Another surprise that golfers face is on the 6th hole, where a blind burn winds around the front of the green. First time golfers at Cruden Bay don’t realize the hazard comes very much into play on the 525 yard par 5. The burn and the green are both blind from the left side of the fairway which makes the hole play very difficult, especially for first timers. But, for those who have played the hole often the burn is at a good distance that forces longer hitters to consider laying up or trying to hit their second shots over the burn and toward the green. The features of the golf hole may frustrate golfers the first time they play it but keeps them coming back to challenge Bluidy Burn, which is a characteristic all architects strive for when designing golf holes.
I think it is interesting that the climax of the golf journey at Cruden Bay is actually from holes 10-15, which start with an excellent driving hole on the tenth tee and finish with an interesting 200 yard par 3, and plays along the sea in between. The winding burn feature in the 13th fairway is also a very interesting natural feature on the course that both forces golfers to make a decision as well as being very aesthetically pleasing. But after playing these 6 holes the last 3 holes definitely do not live up to the quality of the previous 6.
The 17th and 18th holes are pretty average par 4’s in comparison to many of the outstanding golf holes on the course that wind between the dunes and offer great views to the sea and have quirky features that make them interesting, while the last two holes don’t offer any of these features. The elevated 17th tee does offer decent views to most of the first 7 holes and features a large dune in the middle of the fairway but still feels like a left over hole that is there just to get golfers back to the clubhouse. The last hole lacks any real features to make it an exciting finishing hole besides the clubhouse towering above the right side that offers great views for those watching golfers come up the final hole. |
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| 09 March 2010
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| Response: | | | sdodd | 10 March 2010 | | I feel the reviewer has drank the Kool-Aid and missed Cruden Bay's faults. First I think Cruden Bay is a good course. The reviewer highlights 15, which is the worst hole on the course, after the pedestrian 9th. In looking at the 15th anyhole in which a lost ball is more than likely is a bad golf hole. The brillance of Cruden Bay is in holes 3 through 8, with 4 being world class. There is maybe not a better 3 hole stretch than 4 through 6. If a couple of the holes on the relief 9 were brought into the main course Cruden Bay might close in on being great but until then teh best of Cruden Bay can be savored from the club hosue window. For a really nice links experience drive up the coast and give Fraserburgh a go at half the cost. |
| | | A round here is unforgetable. Simply a delight. Links golf at its very best with some superb holes. The only ho;e that is ordinary is the 9th. but a necessary link. The setting is beautiful. Having played all the great links courses in Scotland and some in England and Ireland I rate this as one of the best. |
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| 22 October 2009
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| | One of the most idyllic days of golf I can remember. Two wonderful rounds, with a pause at lunch for great haddock and chips and guinness. The course is well-enough described in the reviews below. All I'd add is that the 4th and 5th immediately became two of my favourite holes of golf (if the walk from the 4th tee to green doesn't make you glad to be alive you're in trouble), the 13th is a great par 5 and, even though I'm no great lover of blind shots, the sunken green on the 14th makes that hole something special. The only hole I thought a little weak was the 9th - relatively featureless because of its height above sea-level - but even that rewards you with a beautiful view of the bay as you reach the crest of the hill. It's a stunningly-beautiful, testing, thought-provoking course: sure, not every hole is brutally-tough, but with everything else going for it it doesn't need to be. I agree with others below that Royal Aberdeen is a truly great course, not always getting the regard it deserves, but it seems a shame to knock Cruden Bay for others' neglect. RA, Cruden Bay and Murcar are all within a 25 mile stretch of coast (and there's even a bus from Aberdeen central station that drops you/picks you up from virtually outside the clubhouse). I can't think of a better way to spend a few days than playing all three. |
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| 15 October 2009
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| | This is my favourite course in the world. There are no two holes which look or play the same way. Blind shots, elevated tees, small greens, humps in the middle of a faairway, beach in play and gorse everywhere make for a fascinating game. I love the quirkiness and breathtaking beauty of the place. Golf as it was meant to be played. |
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| 27 August 2009
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| | I first played Cruden in 1999. I have since returned 8 times, and the love affair will last forever.... the most fun I've ever had playing golf. I have played all of the Open courses except Royal Troon, but Cruden and The Old Course stand at the top. Tip; google "The Battle of Cruden Bay", and read the facinating history of this ground that took place in 1012. This is one of the few courses that I would fly over from Canada to play, and you will have wonderful memories our your time on this wonderful golf links. |
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| 01 August 2009
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| Response: | | | Johnson | 01 August 2009 | | I played the course for the 1st time in 99 also. I returned in 07 just to see if it was what I thought it was. In 99, there was low level fog so you couldnt see more than a 7 iron. My dad and I thought it was the greatest day ever. We had lost our stroke saver, as a result, we ended playing our second shots from the 10th tee into the 11th green, it was the only green we could see. The foursome we met on the green were kind enough to give us one of their books. When we returned in 07, it was amazing to play this course in the sun, we could see it all and I knew my first thought was correct, this is one of the best in Ireland/Scotland. I was amazed standing on the 8th tee that I could see the 16 th green which was visible in 99. One thing does amaze me about some reviews and the hatred of blindshots. It is part of links golf and some of the best holes in links golf are blind shot. The 16th Cruden Bay, The Dell at Lahinch and many other par 3's and approach shots in links golf. I wish I had more links courses in Canada that were true. Johnson |
| | | I just don’t get it. I played this course and also an additional 17 on my recent trip to Scotland and I would put Cruden Bay in my top five. I played every course in Scotland ranked 40th or better in this publication and the only courses I thought were more fun or interesting than Cruden Bay were maybe Turnberry, North Berrick West, Royal Dornoch and Royal Aberdeen. I think the raking of Cruden Bay is truly justified and I do not understand how one could feel this course does not deserve its ranking. If you like elevation change, beautiful views and truly unique golf holes that you will see no where else in the world, this is the place to play. I thought the back-9 holes along the beach, especially #14, #15 & #16 were some of the most interesting and unique holes of golf I have ever played. I will never forget them. |
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| 04 November 2008
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| | Fantastic golf course. Visually stunning and very difficult rough. Make the effort to come here, you will not be disappointed. |
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| 21 July 2008
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| | As hilly a course as I have ever played. I enjoyed the variety of holes and generally enjoyed the course. I really cannot see it as one of the best in the world. The view from the 10th Tee was terrific, but the holes on the back nine did not make me want to come back for more. I had fun, but playing Cruden Bay once is probably enough for me. Give me Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns again. Mardo. |
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| 18 June 2008
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| | Sublime links golf ! Wanted to go out again straight after the best ever fish and chips in the clubhouse.
Will be back ,miss it like an old friend. |
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| 13 May 2008
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| | Here is my advice for Cruden Bay... Go into the lovely club house, enjoy a wee beer and a good lunch, enjoy the fantastic views but surely don't play the course!!! What a disappointment... If that course was rated as a gem, then my opinion would probably be different... But that high?? You must be kidding!! Higher than Royal Aberdeen, you must be kiddidng again!! F air enough, the course was in good condition (apart from a winter green and a winter tee on the back nine). Greens were pretty slow, especially on the back nine... The view from the first tee as mentionned above is as fantastic as it gets but I am afraid that's about it... First 3 holes are uninteresting. 4th and 5th are ok...9th stroke index one is really poor and starts your official entry to farmer's field land, no links land over there!! One thing I don't understand is why they don't use the middle gorse area for the main course and develop a few holes into the gigantic and beautiful dunes in the back... Quirky is the word that comes over and over again about Cruden Bay and I like quirky; I loved Old Prestwick!!! No Cruden Bay is definitely my biggest disappointment ever in golf... No Championship Links golf to be played there...Cédric |
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| 20 April 2007
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| Response: | | | John | 01 February 2010 | | What tickles your fancy Cedric? Cruden Bay rates near the top of my personal favourite links courses. Quirky it most certainly is but I can’t imagine how anyone could really be disappointed by Cruden Bay. It’s a place where architects and golf course aficionados come to study, and, for me, it’s perhaps the most exciting “holiday” golf course in Scotland, perhaps equal only to old Prestwick. It’s bizarre and almost unbelievable to read that you liked old Prestwick but disliked Cruden Bay. Both courses are monumental reminders of bygone days and fall into a similar category. With burns to negotiate, dells to sail into, dunes to encounter, elevation changes that most links courses would love to have on their property (and the odd blind shot) are just a handful of reasons as to why I find Cruden Bay a very satisfactory experience… actually I find it exciting. You mention the first three holes are uninteresting, well I think the 1st is one of the most strategic opening holes to be played which requires a well-positioned drive down the right to leave a rather tricky approach to an angled green that is well bunkered… it’s quite the opposite of uninteresting in my opinion, which, let’s face it, is what taste is all about. A massive plateau on the 2nd, a charming punchbowl green on the 3rd don’t really equate to uninteresting in my book either. Granted the 9th is a rather ordinary hole but the panorama is extraordinary. Some people like red wine, others prefer white… happily I like both. For those having read this far, I can tell you that Cruden Bay is absolutely NOT a poor course (I’ve played every links course in Britain and Ireland’s Top 100, so I have some experience). It may not be a championship course but frankly neither is Prestwick these days and I personally thank my lord for that. | | | Cedric | 02 February 2010 | | As you say, it's all about taste. It'a a while ago now since I played there, so I don't quite remember every single hole. But reading all the great reviews, mostly from Jim McCann which taste one can really trust, I was very enthusiastic. And also really disappointed. Maybe I'd need to play it again? The quirkyness was not what I disliked, even though it's really Mickey Mouse in places. 2nd and 3rd if I remember right were like a 6 iron and a flick with a wedge. The start of the back 9 was especially disappointing (9th to 13th if I remember well). Can't really explain more, that just didn't happen for me there. And it didn't happen either for the mate I played with, so it wasn't just me... I've played quite a bunch of the top links courses in the British Isles, and Cruden Bay really is at the bottom of my list (with RCD at the top, which to some might also be considered quirky by some with all the blind shots). | | | John | 02 February 2010 | | Fair enough. I really do think, however, that you should pay another visit to Cruden Bay. Your other reviews seem pretty much on the money, but this one appears rather at odds with the others. |
| | | Nice views from the club house and from several holes. Overated as far as layout goes. First 3 holes are pretty weak and I too many blind shots, especially the one at the par 3. Royal Aberdeen much better. |
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| 06 January 2007
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| | Played the course off the whites on 13 Sep. and it's a sheer delight. Whilst it gives the handicapper a chance, if you're not on your game, it will punish you. Club house is great with views over virtually the whole course, food and service is excellent as well. One minus point is that the greens were patchy when compared with the excellent condition of Royal Dornoch & Royal Aberdeen. Overall though, probably one of the most enjoyable rounds I've had. |
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| 21 September 2006
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| | I played the course last week. In my opinion this is a very good links course. It is much fun to play this course. Especially some holes are really great. But if you have to decide if you play Cruden Bay or the lower ranked Royal Aberdeen I would recommend you Royal Aberdeen. Unlike Cruden Bay (which is shorter and more tricky) Royal Aberdeen is a Championship Links Course |
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| 21 August 2006
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| | If you like modern, american style courses without personality then give Cruden Bay a miss!. I have played this may times and never failed to enjoy it. I have got sunburned here, and also nearly got frostbitten - not at the same time obviously. Yes it has some blind shots but they are not contrived - the course makes use of the natural terrain to wonderful, and sometimes quirky effect. It is a joy - unless the wind blows. |
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| 24 April 2006
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| | Rightly venerated in 'To the Linksland' Cruden Bay is for all golfers with a soul. Rather like Turnberry in that the first 3 holes give no pointer to the grandeur ahead which starts on the 4th tee and continues through the next few holes especially the 5th and 6th. After a brief hiatus at the 9th (what's that hole about?) there follows another magnificent sequence of holes. Play here in late autumn when it's it's nearly deserted and I defy any golfer not to get in touch with his or her inner self. This is why you love this mad game. |
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| 04 February 2006
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| | I have had the good fortune to have played this course many many times. Each round brings a new treat. Some par fours are deceptively short, but the course has one of the hardest run of links holes in golf. You may get off to a good start,but then you get to the par 3, 4th, which off the back tees into the wind you are lucky to hit with a driver. Then the 5th, a long par 4, very hard to par, and then the par 5, 6th,' 'the bluidy burn' which is a card wrecker. The short par 4 8th is forgiving if you can hit it straight, then you are upto the best view on the East coast of Scotland.
Whoever says this course is overrated, obviously takes their golf too seriously. The surroundings, the mixture of forgiving and difficult holes, and the canny ability to wreck your card when you think you are onto your best round yet, makes this course one of Scotland's best.
Why would the pro's come and play here before the Open if it didn't test them and get them into shape before the big one?! Because this course tests every facet of your game.
Well worth the trip and good value for money. Also very friendly welcomming staff.
The 9 hole St. Olaf's course is also a gem, especially on a late summers evening when the sun is setting over the emmense dunes. |
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| 09 January 2006
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| | I can never decide if Cruden Bay or the West Links at North Berwick is my favorite links course in Scotland. Cruden Bay is simply a delight. It has every different aspect of links golf in one place. There are dunes, fast running holes, significant elevation changes, driveable par 4's, and, of course, blind shots. The view from the 11th tee is stunning, but the entire course has a great feel and ambience to it. I love the blind second shot to the 14th, as well as the blind par three 15th. If you go to Scotland to play links golf, blind shots are part of what make the game so interesting and exciting. The club is very friendly, and the only downside is that the course is somewhat out of the way. However I would take the course in either while playing the northern links (Nairn, Dornoch) or while playing up the east coast of Scotland. |
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| 19 November 2005
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| | One of Scotland's most picturesque links courses. Par 3, #4 is beautiful. A few quirky blind shots including a blind par 3 on the back side. Hire a caddie the first time. |
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| 08 February 2005
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| | Great views from the clubhouse but golf couse is very overrated. Two terrible holes and many average holes at best. Routinely ranked in the top 75 in the world which I can't understand. |
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| 31 December 2004
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| | Played their Open in June 2003. The first thing to strike you is the size and site of the clubhouse which is enormous, and sits overlooking the course below. Looks like the club have sold some land for housing as you approach the course at the top of the hill and they have obviously ploughed the money back in to providing magnificent modern facilities for members and visitors alike. The view out the huge plate glass windows of the lounge is something to behold.
The course has been described as quirky but I did not think that at all. This is good old fashioned links golf from a time gone by, and will be hated by a lot of modern golfers but not by the likes of me who revel in courses like this.
Golf here brings the fun back into playing the game.
Par three's one after another? Tut,tut. Short par fours, a blind drive or blind approach here and there? Dear oh dear. Chill out and see the future of links golf encapsulated in the past!
Cruden Bay is a cracking course set amidst glorious terrain. Shed your golfing inhibitions on the first tee and you will step off the 18th as a born again links golfer! Jim McCann |
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| 23 December 2004
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| | More than a little over-rated. Good front nine spoilt by silly Par 4 8th. Back nine unmemorable except for stupid par 3 16th.
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| 11 October 2004
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| | Cruden Bay has a very unique 'Figure 8' design and probably the best 14 holes one could wish to play. I say 14 because the 1st two and last two are a bit of a let down when compared to the rest of the course but that said - CB has a wonderful mix and variety of holes. The 4th has an idyllic setting and is one of the best Par3's in the UK and the 15th is similar to the 'Dell' at Lahinch - only 85 yards longer !! The Par4's 4 and 10 have amazing views from the tee and the Par5 6th places a premium on accuracy over power. The two short Par 4's on the F9 tempt you to attack them but their 'bite' can be lethal as is evident by the fact that Slains Castle (purportedly of Dracula fame) is a backdrop to the course. The course winds it's way through the dunes and all facets of your game will be tested when you play Cruden Bay - definitely recommend a visit. KP 9/10 |
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| 05 October 2004
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| | A good links challenge with the best holes on the front 9 but amongst the 18 are a few disappointing holes. Excellent views from the club house but for the price of the green fees you might expect a bit more from the course. |
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| 04 August 2004
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| | I think this course is severely under-rated. It's one of my favourites in the UK, and definitely one of the best in Scotland, probably only behind Muirfield. There is a good mixture of tough and easy par 4's & 5's and probably the most challenging set of par 3's you'd ever hope to play. Love it |
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| 14 July 2004
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| | It's a delight to play Cruden Bay - the scene is set from the moment you pull into the car park. The elevated clubhouse provides a wonderful 360 panorama of the course falling away beneath. The holes are varied and exciting, the greens are true and tough to read. In summary this is a must-play golf course...well worth the trip in its own right. |
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| 13 July 2004
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| | From the moment you arrive in the fabulous new clubhouse and look out through the picture windows overlooking the course, you realise this is a fantastic course. Links golf of top quality in the best setting.
Cruden Bay deserves such a high rating in the Top100 easily - great course, warm welcome.
PS - Dont forget to use the telescope in the clubhouse, the great views get even closer - Will return soon.
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| 07 July 2004
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| Response: | | | Frank Beard | 12 August 2007 | | What a golf course - one of the best in the world. |
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