Whilst an inscription on an old ballot box states that golf was played back in 1781, it wasn’t until 1899 that Cruden Bay Golf Club was formed, a product of the fledgling holiday resort that was funded by the Great North of Scotland Railroad Co. back at the turn of the century. In those days, Cruden Bay was frequented by the ‘high society’ and British Aristocracy, however when the Great Depression and second world war happened in the 20th century, the resort was unable to remain lucrative and sadly the hotel and as a result – the resort – fell into disrepair.
Today, it’s an altogether different story. This has the feel of a community golf club, where the priority are it’s members, and creating a welcoming environment first and foremost for visiting parties. There may be a world class course outside waiting for you outside, but its about the welcoming feeling that they want to be remembered for.
When we arrived, on a summers evening it was straight to work with the drone for Mills. I don’t think anything prepared us for the view from the clubhouse, out across the St Olaf (shorter second course – which also looks superb), and across to the towering dunes which act as a breakwater to the North Sea. The dunes really are some of the finest in Scotland – Royal Aberdeen and Trump International also boasting a similar landscape – and for those with a thirst for similar Irish drama in the golfing landscape, then Aberdeen really is the one!
The Championship course starts extremely strong, playing out towards Port Errol where you turn the corner at the 4th. The first 7 holes have everything, and it’s hard to know where it goes next. A superb opening hole requiring precise play, followed by a second two shorter to an elevated green (and when we say elevated, we’re talking 50 foot elevation) placing a premium on strategy and leaving yourself with the right distance to play to the green. The third is a reachable par 4 over the dune to blind punchbowl green and the 4th really is one of the most stunning and challenging short holes you will ever play. 5 Is a cracking par 4, challenging off the tee and simply stunning green complex, and 6 is cited by Tom Simpson (prior to his formal involvement with the club) as one of his favourite holes in the British Isles. You get the picture….
The only thing about huge dunescapes is that, eventually you know you’re going to have to traverse some tough ground, and the ascent to the 9th tee is when that moment comes. The view however is worth it where you can look down upon the iconic 14th bathtub green, and take stock of the pin location. Whilst there are a few weaker holes at the start of the back 9, the occasion, scenery and challenge more than compensate. The course is constantly engaging due to its variety, a core design principle of Fowler and Simpson who re-routed the course out in the 1920’s, and changed some of the playing lines whilst still utilising many of the original green sites that Archie Simpson and Old Tom laid down back in 1899.
A visit to Aberdeen for golf, without a trip to Cruden Bay is quite simply madness – this is one very special place.
