Cruden Bay Golf Club

Cruden Bay Golf Course is the very definition of a true links course with some holes exposed to the rugged North Sea elements and others wrapping along the beach. Lots of challenging holes but well worth the visit and one to tick off your golfing  wish list!

Every hole is memorable; from the long par 3 4th, to the even longer par 4 5th with the two tiered green! The best hole out of them all however has to be the 9th. The long hilly walk from the 8th is well worth it for the spectacular view from the 9th tee box. Not only do you get to play with a stunning view behind you but your tee shot must be played to the left of three fairway bunkers – however, too far left and your ball is lost down the steep hillside. The approach shot onto the green needs precision on the undulating green and a back pin means you have to clear the initial hill on the green otherwise you’ve a long putt up the hill with all the other contours to compete with. The 9th really is a make or break hole on the course.

Even if you still have a scorecard after the 9th, the most challenging section is still to come! The 14th, 15th &16th are all up there and I don’t think you can pick between them as a really challenging part of the course. 14th – tee shot must be to the left of a big hill in the fairway, anywhere right of the tee and you’re on the beach! The 2nd shot onto the green is a blind shot onto a green that’s 40-50 yards long! 15th – a blind par 3, be careful as it plays a lot shorter than you think especially with a favourable wind. 16th – another par 3 but this time you need to hit just before the green otherwise you’re rolling off the back of the green and into the two “coffins” – this is where the green slopes away from you.

Don’t discount playing the small St Olaf course, even that is a fun challenge in its own right!