cruden bay golf club

I will start by stating that I think Cruden Bay Golf Club is very good and a very fun course to play. It is over priced but if you have never played it you should include it on your golf trip. However, the rankings in the top 100 golf courses is an absolute joke. It has six great holes, six average holes and six mediocre to poor holes. That is just the honest truth so lets not go crazy and think it is in the top 100 courses. Not even close. If you are limited for time don't skip Royal Aberdeen, Trump International, Castle Stuart, or Royal Dornoch to play Cruden. Having said that, it is still a really fun course to play so can't we just enjoy it for what it is? The opening holes in dramatic large dunes are especially impressive. The clubhouse has a beautiful view overlooking the course. It drives me crazy to see it on top 100 lists as it isn't even close but I still really enjoyed playing Cruden. I don't go often because of its ridiculous green fee but it is worth experiencing if you have not played it.

Highly recommend this place. Very different but defiantly a "must play". Played on a windy day so 30mph made it tough. Gorgeous views. Also, eat the Ultimate Burger after the round. One of the best I've ever eaten.

Disclaimer: As a member of Cruden Bay Golf Club I may be considered a little biased. On the other hand, biased or not, Cruden Bay is one of the very best golf experiences in the entire world.

We had a tee time on a day that it was pouring rain. We went to the pro shop and they were terrific. There was an open tee time the next day and they changed our tee time for us. No problem. Ww were so happy that they did. When we played the course, it was fantastic. It is visually one of the most beautiful courses that we played in Scotland. The climb to the 9th tee is rewarded by a spectacular view of several holes and the water.We had asked for caddies, but when we changed our tee time to the next day, there were not any caddies available. If you have a choice, I would definitely recommend caddies. Or, if you do not have caddies be sure to bring a range finder with you. The only distance markers on the course are the 150 yard markers. If you are going to Scotland and plan to play golf, put this course at the top of your list.

We loved this course, played it with some serious wind but loved it regardless! Cant wait to go back! Amazing views, beautiful design.A definite must do.

Awesome experience, great visual and golfing experience. You have to see it to believe it, take a caddy so you know where you are aiming for, down in a seaside valley. Played all the major courses in Scotland including St. Andrews and Carnoustie and this course left the most impression on my GOLF BRAIN !!!

Great setting taken by a friend for a fantastic meal.Top quality food and great service the golf was pretty good too!

Was slightly tentative in going to Cruden Bay as we felt with its worldwide standing it be somewhat stuffy. Nothing could be less true. Everyone very welcoming and the pro was particularly helpful in reassuring us the 9hole St Olaf's would be challenging but OK.The course itself is magnificent with my wife holing a 60 footer on the 9th second time round. At the end of the first we took a break for very good coffee and bacon rolls upstairs in the clubhouse with its spectacular views. St Olaf's is very good value indeed if you go round twice.Must, must, must save up and go back to play the big course.

Great Golf Course, Staff and food in restaurant is excellent and with a very varied menu. We had the carvery which was one of the best we have ever had.

Oddly this Old Tom design is not as popular with Scots as it is with visiting Americans. Although it is regaining respect I would guess that most people would rather head northwest from Aberdeen to get to Dornoch or the new Castle Stuart. Regardless this is well worth the short drive up the coast from Aberdeen if only to experience a unique layout with several blind holes. Based on my most recent visit the quality of the turf had improved dramatically and the fairways seemed somewhat narrowed. The first two holes are fairly straightforward but then Tom dives through the dunes to a blind short par 4 then a glorious all carry dune surrounded 3 par. Up to an elevated tee on the 5th and you are presented with one unique hole after another. A long trudge up the hill to 9 will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the course, town and Slains castle. The 10th drops all the way back to the links land and again you have narrow fairways, gorse and creative designs. Back to back par 3's start on 15 which is a bell ringer (blind over the edge of the a dune ridge). We've often headed back to play it again. The staff here are great, the clubhouse has a wonderful vantage point and I've never been here when is was crowded such that the pace and feel were pressed. The first time you will lose some balls but you will discover some of Old Tom's magic as well.

Lovely club house overlooking the course. Booked dinner for 8, great square table. Lovely serving staff - good selection of specials, fish ,venison -great sweet selection made on site. Very pleasant - reasonable pricing.

....... i have every played on! it was a real privildge to play this course and the customer service was really very good. Unlike some golf clubs the members and staff at Cruden Bay Golf Club could not have been nicer. I would recomend this course as the middle 36 holes of anyones golf tour along with the "killie Curry" at the killmarnock arms in the town. Perfect!

The course is tough but fair. It sits on a beautiful bay that takes your breath away. Unlike many courses in the area it is a bit hilly and will test you in many ways. You need to bring your "A" game. By close attention to the 18th hole. The hump in the middle of the fairway is an ancient viking burial site. Close to it is Saint Olaf's Well.The clubhouse is very modern. The food and service are excellent. The pro shop is well stocked and the staff is service minded. The members are among the nicest people you will meet in Scotland.

Great course with brilliant views and hospitality. Pro shop well stocked and reasonably priced. Food GREAT.

This may well be my shortest review, ever. This is the place to challenge the golf gods. It is as mostly originally designed, with little alteration, the way golf should be played. We played in a heavy mist/fog. George, our caddy, was exceptional, not only with layout, but with history. Nothing else left to say that hasn't been published below. Enjoy Blin' Dunt!!! Come here. Enjoy here. You will remember here. More so than some vaunted others.... ;)