Course info
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Course Report
The course was originally built as part of recreational facilities for the Cruden Bay Hotel, connected by an electric tramway from the railway station, owned by the Great North of Scotland Railway Company.
About
Cruden Bay Golf Club's Championship Course, originally designed by Old Tom Morris with Archie Simpson in 1899 and later enhanced by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler, winds through towering coastal dunes on Scotland's Aberdeenshire coast. This classic links layout delivers old-fashioned golf with blind shots, driveable par fours, and panoramic North Sea views, blending challenge, quirkiness, and scenic beauty in a secluded, intimate setting.
Caddie Tip
Embrace the blind shots by trusting yardages and aiming points marked on scorecards; favor placement over power on humpbacked fairways. On the back nine's 13th-15th, play conservatively into prevailing winds, and use the punchbowl greens to your advantage by landing short on elevated approaches.
The Main Challenge
The toughest challenge lies in the blind tee shots and drives over towering dunes, demanding precise distance control and wind judgment. Back-to-back par threes on 13-15, elevated approaches to contoured greens, and power required on par 5s with water make navigation and strategy paramount on this rugged links.
The Good
Golfers rave about the unique routing through massive dunes creating secluded holes, combined with panoramic sea views, blind challenges, and quirky features like driveable par fours that deliver pure links fun and strategic depth unmatched in modern designs.
The Not So Good
Some players note occasional weak holes from the original routing and desire more consistent conditioning during wet spells, as the exposed dunes can lead to patchy fairways. Pace of play can slow on windy days due to blind shots requiring extra time for club selection and alignment.
Signature Hole:
#
4
The signature 4th hole is a stunning 196-yard par 3 named 'Port Erroll.' Played alongside a river on the left, it offers breathtaking views of the old fishing village and harbour glistening in the distance. The elevated tee demands precise club selection amid coastal winds, with the green nestled into dunes, testing accuracy and nerve over this iconic short hole.
Clubhouse
The modern clubhouse built in 1961 features first-class bar and catering, changing facilities, golf shop, and welcoming administration, ensuring a comfortable post-round experience with panoramic views.
Practice Facilities
The club offers a driving range, putting green, and practice area with club hire and tuition available from experienced pro shop staff, allowing warm-ups amid the coastal setting before tackling the championship layout.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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