Cruden Bay Golf Club

Countless golf writers have made the Highlands pilgrimage to Cruden Bay and subsequently extolled the virtues of this most picturesque course-perhaps none better than Bill Davis of Golf Digest:

In 1899, the year the course was constructed, the Great North of Scotland Railway completed its links to the village and created the lavish Cruden Bay Hotel. The 'Brighton of Aberdeenshire' was visited by many leading socialites and barons of industry. After World War II, the railway closed, the hotel was demolished and only the golf course remained. The links is 24 miles north of Aberdeen and is now a remote spot full of beauty and charm. The holes beautifully epitomize the old-fashioned style of rugged links golf. The drives require accuracy with devilish bunkers protecting greens, blind holes and subtly undulating greens. The 10th hole provides a panoramic view of half the back nine down at beach level, laid out far beneath you. Tom Simpson regarded the course as one of his major successes and he put three holes, the first, eighth and 18th among the best 18 holes in the British Isles.

Well put, I should say! Permit me to add that the figure eight design of the course is unusual if not unique. As an aficionado of short par fours, I include the third hole as one of my favourites. On his first visit to Cruden Bay, one should take the time before his tee shot on three to stroll down the fairway far enough to appreciate the risk/reward of a full driver. There is also a collection wonderful full par fours that are vastly different from one another. I am especially fond of the fifth, the seventh, the fourteenth and the seventeenth. After strenuous climb for the eighth green to the ninth tee, one is rewarded with a spectacular view that features the ruins of Slain Castle, inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.

I should further note that British railroads were responsible for the development of a number of other fine Scottish courses, most particularly Turnberry and Gleneagles. In fact, the rise of those two fabulous resorts may have contributed to the demise of the more remote Cruden Bay. But history suggests a far more compelling reason the Great North of Scotland Railway is no longer in business. It disposed of this marvelous course by selling it to a group of local lads for the niggardly sum of £2,750 (about $10,000 at that time). One can only assume the company's business judgment was equally lacking in other matters as well.

There are those purists who are put off by the blind shots and some rather bizarre holes. We, on the other hand, absolutely adore Cruden Bay!

Independent travellers: Take the A92 north from Aberdeen, then the A952 and follow the signs for "Peterhead". Turn right (east) on to a small road sign-posted "Cruden Bay 2". The road will lead you, eventually, directly to the Club. Report to the professional's shop on the lower floor of the clubhouse. Be certain to join the locals for a meal or a pint in the clubhouse. Strike a few shots before your round at the driving range near the first tee.