As has been a tradition for people on holiday for over a century Cruden Bay was one of our first stops on a recent trip to Scotland. Always a fan favorite the members enhanced Cruden Bay golf course with a couple of changes that please the eye and the competitive balance of the course.

Picturesque view from the clubhouse…remains of Slains Castle on yonder ridge

A driving range in Scotland? Who’d a thunk it!

Controlling enthusiastic folk working on their games

The 1st and 2nd holes would feel right at home at Royal Dornoch

After the cardiologists hike up from the 8th Green the players are now greeted with a refreshing look of the coastline from the new 9th tee perched atop the highest dune ridge on the property. This view reminds me of Bandon Dunes.

Play is exposed to the wind breezes as the 9th works its way across the ridge

What follows is a long approach into a green complex canted left to right

Two more changes..they moved the tee on the 10th hole to the right of the 9th green (shown above) to force the tee shot to be played over the shoulder of the gorse laden dune on the right. Puts a little fright into a spectacular view of your ball free falling to the fairway floor five stories below.

On the blind par three 16th they realized that the hill that obscures your view of the green was expanding over time from sand blowing up from the beach. They were kind enough to shave it down enough so you can at least see the top of the flag behind the ridge.

Happy campers….albiet a bit wet but still happy to be at Cruden Bay

(Click to see the full Cruden Bay Golf club course review)

July, 2016