Cruden Bay Golf Club
Aulton Road,
Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire AB42 0NN
Tel : +44 (0)1779 812 285 Fax : +44 (0) 1779 812 945
www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk
The original course, on the present site, was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) following the expansion of the railways at the end of the 19th century, designed by Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, with help from Archie Simpson, and opened in 1899. The inner nine hole 'ladies course' was also laid out at the same time. The opening of the course was celebrated with a professional tournament, after which the winner Harry Vardon received the princely sum of £30.
At the same time as the opening of the golf course in 1899 a railway link to Cruden Bay was created. The magnificent Cruden Bay Hotel was built, and the 'new seaside and golfing resort' was nicknamed 'the Brighton of the North'. The grand Hotel, constructed from pink Peterhead granite, contained 94 bedrooms and rivalled Turnberry, looking down on the links and capturing the coastal splendour at a glance.
From the onset, golfers came from all over the world to play the championship golf course, which originally measured 5290 yards.
The Cruden Bay Golf Club was formed around 1900. In 1926 the course was redesigned to the current layout by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler. They also redesigned the St Olaf course which was opened at the same time.
However the Depression in the 1930's marked a rapid decline in the Hotel's fortunes and it was forced to close in 1932. During the War it was used for billeting soldiers, fell into a state of disrepair, and finally was sold for demolition.
Fortunately, in July 1950, a group of local businessmen had the foresight to purchase the golf course, for the sum of £2750, and so began the history of Cruden Bay Golf Club as we now know it.
Directions
north from Aberdeen (the A92 now renamed A90), after 10 miles (at Little Chef) take a right turn onto the A975 (sign posted 'Newburgh', 'Cruden Bay'). Follow this road for 13 miles. Golf Club on the right as enter village Cruden Bay.
Further Information
Services and facilities:
Clubhouse, opened in 1998, provides full catering, including a la carte, and bar facilities.
10 - bay floodlit driving range.
Pro Shop.
Membership: Gents 650, Ladies 140, Juniors 150, Country 70
Course Details
| Course Name: Championship Course Holes: 18 Yardage: 6396 SSS: 72 |
| The Championship Course designed by old Tom Morris with help from Archie Simpson, with later alterations by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler. Cruden Bay offers an internationally famous golfing experience - old fashioned links golf at its best - on one of the best links courses in Scotland, and is ranked in the top 60 in the world by 'Golf Magazine'. Cruden Bay Golf Course creates unique challenges demanding the skills of power, placement and fine judgement upon the discerning golfer. Set against a backdrop of subtly contoured greens and magnificent panoramic views, a visit to Cruden Bay will be a most memorable one. For an appreciation and independent view of this course please see golfer reviews. 
press here for Cruden Bay Golf Club course reviews |
| Course Name: St Olaf Holes: 9 Yardage: 4710 SSS: 62 |
| St Olaf is also designed and altered by the architect of the Championship course. For an appreciation and independent view of this course please see golfer reviews.
press here for Cruden Bay Golf Club course reviews |
John Matchette wrote on: Aug 3, 2005
I have played about 15 links courses in Scotland. Cruden Bay is my favorite! What a beautiful setting and very interesting course layout. This is a must.
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wrote on: Jan 19, 2004
My e mail address is now paul@theliangroup.com
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Tim Medley wrote on: May 31, 2002
I had enjoyed the course in 1997 and was anxious to return when four of us americans played a week of golf on the east side of Scotland in 2000. We drove up from St. Andrews one morning for an early afternoon tee time. Mrs. Pittendrigh was there to meet us and after a wonderful lunch with stunning views over the course to the North Sea, it was balls in the air. How can one have more fun? Cruden Bay establishes one's faith in god. One of my favorite golf courses in the world.
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C Taylor wrote on: Jan 31, 2002
If I only had one more round to play I'd choose to play it here. I've played everywhere but always have the most fun at Cruden Bay.
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E. Paul Lian Scottsdale, AZ USA wrote on: Apr 30, 2001
Wow!! As I drove up to the Cruden Bay clubhouse, the rain stopped and the sun came out in the 2:30 PM time frame. The Club Pro found a game for me with Ian and Duncan, a Father - Son combo who were kind enough to let me join them. The Gorse was in full bloom and the course lived up to its impressive reputation. Cruden Bay is a FUN, challenging layout, we walked the course and had THEE greatest time. I believe the steep walk up to the 9th.... maybe the 10th tee box.... about brought me to my knees. The view from there however is breathtaking, even rivals the best views at Pebble Beach.... magnificent!! Play Cruden Bay.... you won't be disappointed.
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Jim Strickland wrote on: Apr 19, 2011
Sir,
You had the pleasure of playing with a good friend of mine and an absolute historian when it comes to golf at Cruden Bay (Scotland for that matter). I would bet Knotty left you in stitches as you walked that magnificent course. I hope you didn't pay any attention to that swing of his, sort of a whirlee majig move in the backswing!!!
Knotty is now a retired gatekeeper to city politics in Cruden Bay, and as you might guess he's caused a few ulsers in due course.
It was nice to see this post on your playing this fantastic layout. I agree that it is a fun place golf.
Cheers,
Jim
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David Barsalou wrote on: Nov 30, 2000
Many golf magazines have classifed this course as a hidden gem. How right they are, however if you are looking for 'classical' design forget it. How about a blind tee shot on a par three, or a blind second shot on a par four to a hidden green inside a bowl effect. Quirkiness aside, this is a great golf course. Incredible hole diversity, you can really get a sense the course was laid out as the land allowed the architect to lay
it. A must play on any true golfer's list.
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C_Cook wrote on: Mar 31, 1999
I played this course in 1988 and could not wait to get back. Finally in August 1998 I made a return trip. I remembered every hole. Part of the front plays through huge sand dunes-you will never find a course like this in the US. Yes, it has some blind shots and I thought the par 17th was unfair but it was still awe inspiring. I will make sure it is not another 10 years before I get back.
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David Evans wrote on: Mar 31, 1999
The St Olaf course is great fun. It is great for juniors, but equally suitable to more advanced golfers. The course is tricky, and is a real test of golfing skills (although luck can play a major role in your round!).
The beautiful location, as well as the luxurious new clubhouse make a visit here a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
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Gadsden High School wrote on: Feb 28, 1999
Played this course with dad and brothers in April '97 and had a blast. Great course very challenging and you never get tired of playing. The weather adds another element to your score but its enjoyable not a handicap. We are going back in 2000 and I can't wait. The people there are very friendly to yanks who may not always do the right thing but who have a love for golf, like they do'.
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Jeffrey Young wrote on: Aug 31, 1998
My friend and I played St. Andrews, Cruden Bay, and Royal Dornoch, this was the best - like another writer we could have played there every day for a month. A spectacular granite clubhouse is under construction and should be completed later this year. This course will become busy soon. Don't miss this course, but try to keep it to yourself!
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Peter Imber wrote on: Jul 31, 1998
I played Cruden Bay with my father some years ago. On a previous trip we had played Royal Aberdeen and thought it a wonderful course. But while there we met a man who had just come from Cruden Bay and said it was spectacular. When we got our chance we were not disappointed. Cruden Bay is my idea of golf heaven on earth. Challenging and unique layout. Fabulous scenery. A natural setting unlike any other I've been lucky enough to play. It is the course I most want to play again some day with my own son.
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C. J. Graham wrote on: Jul 31, 1998
Excellent, quirky course with many superb holes and some stunning views; also, generally winds through HUGE dunes. Plays longer than its yardage. No. 6 a par five worthy of inclusion on St. Andrews. Clubhouse has an all glass wall that offers those views, over the golf course, of the North Atlantic. Good food and drink at a reasonable cost. Actually has a practice range with balls to hit. Play this one for sure!!
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Dan Friedman wrote on: Jul 31, 1998
Scotland's most magical. Spectacular, unique holes that will be burned into your memory forever. Extraordinary views and vistas all around. Wonderful friendly service in clubhouse, and a terrific hotel across the street (the Red Inn).
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Evan W. Fleisher wrote on: Jul 31, 1998
This was the most naturally appealing and laid-out courses of all those we played while in Scotland. There were some extremely unique golf holes here. The views are spectacular, the North Sea is always present, and wind is always blowing. The 225 yard par-3 Blin' Dunt is a hole that could not be duplicated anywhere else. The clubhouse is nothing special, but folks were genuinely pleasant, and the caddies were great
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