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Cruden Bay

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These rankings are based solely on post-trip surveys received from clients. Although the surveys are not accessible via our website, you can click on "testimonials" above to read the actual comments in their original format.
Founded: 1899
Designer: Tom Morris, Archie Simpson
Championship Length: 6,395 yards
PAR: 70
SSS (Course Rating): 72
Type: Links
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Who this course is best for:

A golfer who would prefer a fun and enjoyable round of golf that plays fair to the average golfer and wants to play a traditional links course that is very scenic (golfers enjoy spectacular views of Slains Castle which provided the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula).

History of Cruden Bay:

Cruden Bay is to golf, what Dracula is to horror; a cult classic. The eerie Slains Castle, known to have provided the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, can be seen from the course. However, the experience of playing Cruden Bay, though certainly challenging, is not quite so frightening.

Another course with origins in the 19th century, Cruden Bay (#63 in the world according to GOLF Magazine) was originally laid out by Old Tom Morris then revised by Archie Simpson. The Great North of Scotland Railway Company originally owned the course and, within a month of opening, staged a professional open tournament. The tournament attracted many of the leading players of the time. Harry Vardon, James Braid and Ben Sayers were among those competing for the whopping £30 first prize (pocketed by Vardon).

Course Overview:

Golf at Cruden Bay is full of surprises with humps, hollows and greens tucked into unimaginable spots. As befits a course over one hundred years old, Cruden Bay demands its fair share of blind-shots. While some modernization has occurred, the links stands largely as a reminder of bygone days. It serves as a fine example to modern architects of what a course created primarily by nature should look like.

While each hole is an undeniable gem, probably the finest sequence of holes is between the 4th and the 7th. The homeward nine does not disappoint either. Cruden Bay is certainly one of Scotland’s finest courses with three blind holes, the closest thing to a dogleg par 3 that one could imagine, and a panoramic backdrop.

This links may not be one of Scotland’s better-known courses. Many who arrange their trips around the more famous Scottish venues often overlook Cruden Bay. In time, though, the fun, quality and spectacular nature of golf here will pervade, and the course will command the recognition it deserves. Ask about Cruden Bay and the other courses listed in our Ultimate Mixed Bag trip.

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Testimonials

“Thanks to Pioneer Golf, everything was perfect ….. from the selection of the courses, to the location of hotels, the bus, and the driver …… we really enjoyed every bit of it.”

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Tours that include this Course

Cruden Bay Golf Club

Cruden Bay-Main Course

St Andrews Area & Hidden Gems

Six rounds of golf: 

  • St Andrews-Old Course
  • St Andrews-New Course
  • Gullane-No. 1 Course
  • North Berwick
  • Cruden Bay
  • Royal Aberdeen-Balgownie Course
Gullane No. 1

Gullane No.1

Hidden Gems

Five rounds of golf:

  • Archerfield Links-Fidra Course
  • Gullane-No. 1 Course
  • North Berwick
  • Cruden Bay
  • Royal Aberdeen-Balgownie Course
Royal Aberdeen 8th

Royal Aberdeen-Balgownie Course

Ultimate Mixed Bag

Five rounds of golf:

  • St Andrews-Old Course
  • St Andrews-New Course
  • Royal Aberdeen-Balgownie Course
  • Trump International Golf Links
  • Cruden Bay