Cruden Bay Golf Club, situated 23 miles north of Aberdeen and 8 miles south of Peterhead, is a storied golfing destination on the east coast of Scotland. Just a two-hour drive from St Andrews, this historic course offers a quintessential links golf experience.

Golf has been played in Cruden Bay since 1791, but the current course was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway (GNSR) and designed by Old Tom Morris, opening in 1899. Known for its unique challenges and breathtaking views, Cruden Bay is a warm and welcoming club that attracts golfers from around the globe. The course demands a blend of power, precision, and strategic judgement, set against a backdrop of subtly contoured greens and magnificent panoramic vistas.

Cruden Bay's accolades include being ranked as the 52nd best course in the world by "Golf Magazine" in 2015 and 54th by "Links Magazine" in 2013. The club has also been recognised for its exceptional customer service and top-notch catering. The layout, featuring 18 holes, has undergone various modifications over the years but retains many of the original elements designed by Old Tom Morris and later enhancements by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler.

The course starts modestly with a straightforward par 4 but quickly reveals its character with challenging holes like the driveable par 3 4th, requiring a shot over a chasm, and the par 5 6th, where a burn in front of the green necessitates careful shot placement. The 13th hole is notable for its snaking burn, which demands precise strategy from long hitters, while the 14th hole, with its sunken bathtub green, epitomises the course's quirky and unique design.

For non-golfers, Cruden Bay offers attractions such as the nearby golden sandy beach and Slains Castle, perched high on the cliffs. The village of Peterhead is just a short drive away, and Balmoral, a Royal residence, is an hour and fifteen minutes from the course.

Cruden Bay is also part of the Old Tom Morris Trail, celebrating the legacy of the legendary golf course designer. This trail features 18 of Scotland’s most beautiful and challenging courses, from the Outer Hebrides to Fife. Following the trail offers golfers an opportunity to experience the rich history and stunning landscapes that influenced Old Tom Morris’s designs. For more information, visit OldTomMorrisTrail.com.