Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)
A wild, dune-tumbling links north of Aberdeen beloved by connoisseurs for its quirks and drama — a members' club that keeps the door open to visiting golfers.
Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course) in photos
Can I play Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)?
Yes — Cruden Bay is a members' club that warmly welcomes visitors and sells tee times to the public every day of the week. Advance booking is essential, and a valid handicap certificate or club membership card is generally required. Weekend visitor times are restricted to the afternoons, with mornings kept for members.
How to book: Contact the bookings secretary by email or phone, or use the club's online tee-time booking system, to reserve. A non-refundable deposit secures the time, with the balance due about a month before play; booking well ahead is advised for summer. Note that buggies are not available due to the dramatic dune terrain.
About Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)
Cruden Bay was laid out in 1899 by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson and reworked in the 1920s by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler, who kept the natural routing through some of the most towering dunes in British golf. The Championship Course is a roller-coaster of blind shots, hidden greens, punchbowl hollows and short, strategic holes that divides opinion and inspires devotion in equal measure — a cult classic rather than a manicured championship test. It is a members' club, but visitors are welcomed every day of the week, with weekend tee times reserved for the afternoons. Rugged, characterful and set beside a sweeping sandy beach, it rewards the traveller who ventures up the Aberdeenshire coast.
Signature hole
The blind par-3 15th, 'Whins', and the short par-4 14th plunge through towering dunes to hidden greens, capturing the wild, roller-coaster character that makes Cruden Bay a cult favourite.
What makes it special
A links like no other
Blind shots, hidden greens and giant dunes make Cruden Bay one of the most characterful and cult-loved links in Scotland.
Old Tom's routing
The original 1899 Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson layout was preserved through Tom Simpson's 1920s refinement.
Visitor-friendly members' club
Despite its cult status, it sells tee times to the public every day and includes a bonus nine on the St Olaf course in peak fees.
Tournament pedigree
- Northern Open
- Scottish amateur and regional championships
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September for the firmest turf and longest days; spring and autumn shoulder periods offer noticeably lower fees, with sea wind a constant on this exposed coast.
Dress code
Recognised golf clothing on the course — collared or approved golf shirts and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim. Smart casual in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A walking-only links (no buggies) over big dunes, so a good level of fitness helps; caddies and trolleys can be arranged. Allow about four hours, and the peak green fee includes a bonus nine holes on the charming St Olaf course.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Aberdeen (ABZ) ~40 minutes by car.
On arrival
Cruden Bay lies about 23 miles north of Aberdeen on the Aberdeenshire coast; take the A90 then the A975 to the village, with the links on Aulton Road at its northern edge. A hire car is the practical choice, as this stretch of coast has limited public transport.
Stay near the course
The village of Cruden Bay has inns and guesthouses close to the course, including the Kilmarnock Arms. Many golfers base in Aberdeen or combine Cruden Bay with nearby Aberdeenshire links such as Trump International and Royal Aberdeen.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Buchan Braes
Peterhead
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Printworks Apart-Hotel
Peterhead
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Saplinbrae Hotel and Lodges
Peterhead
A taste of the luxury stays near Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Cruden Bay — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Cruden Bay.
Explore Cruden BayFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Cruden Bay?
Yes. It is a members' club that welcomes visitors seven days a week — you book directly, with weekend visitor times limited to the afternoons.
How much does it cost to play?
Guide green fees are around £205 weekday and £220 weekend in peak season, about £140 in the shoulder and near £110 in winter; peak fees include nine holes on the St Olaf course. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
Do I need a handicap?
Yes — Cruden Bay generally asks visitors for a valid handicap certificate or club membership card when booking.
Are buggies available?
No. The course is walking-only because of its steep dune terrain, so caddies or trolleys are the way to get round.
More golf courses to play
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
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Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course)
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North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
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Kingsbarns Golf Links
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Cruden Bay Golf Club — Green Fees
- Cruden Bay Golf Club — Visitor Information
- Cruden Bay Championship Course review — Golf Monthly
Guide updated 2026-07-27.