Cruden Bay Golf Club #15

Cruden Bay Golf Club stands as one of Scotland’s most polarizing golfing experiences, as we discovered during our latest adventure for the Top 110 Golf Podcast. Ranked 22nd in the world, this Old Tom Morris design instantly divided our opinions in ways no other course has managed to do thus far on our journey through the top 100 courses.

The experience begins with a warm welcome that epitomizes Scottish hospitality. Upon check-in, guests receive a bottle of “birdie juice” (Loch Lomond single malt whisky), setting the tone for a club that values tradition and community. Unlike the commercial atmosphere we encountered at Trump International the previous day, Cruden Bay exudes an authentic, homely feeling. The clubhouse staff, including the delightful Christine Middleton (a local golfing celebrity who once defeated Annika Sorenstam), make visitors feel like part of the family rather than tourists passing through.

Perhaps the most remarkable pre-round experience comes at the starter’s hut – formerly the original pro shop. Inside this unassuming building lies a treasure trove of golfing artifacts and memorabilia that would captivate any golf history enthusiast. Our starter, Joe, graciously shared stories about hickory golf and even allowed us to handle antique golf balls specially manufactured for play with traditional equipment. This connection to golf’s roots creates an ambiance that modern courses simply cannot replicate.

The course itself presents a study in contrasts. From the elevated clubhouse, panoramic windows reveal a dramatic landscape where golf holes weave through impressive dunes with the striking Slains Castle (purportedly Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula) standing sentinel in the distance. The pristine white beach of Cruden Bay provides a stunning backdrop that would rival any Mediterranean coastline.

The layout begins with relatively straightforward opening holes before revealing its true character at the drivable par-4 third, where a blind tee shot leads to an exhilarating approach. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions – breathtaking par-3s (including a completely blind one that demands faith and commitment), dramatic elevation changes, and intimate connections with the surrounding landscape. The course feels deliberately unmanicured in places, embracing a rugged aesthetic that connects golfers with the land rather than imposing upon it.

However, this is precisely where opinions diverge. Some golfers find these quirky features charming and representative of golf’s traditions; others see them as flaws in a highly-ranked course. Certain holes appear ordinary compared to the spectacular ones, creating an inconsistent experience that either captivates or frustrates depending on your perspective. The traditional elements extend to course management details – pin positions indicated by wooden boards with pegs rather than sophisticated graphics – reinforcing its old-world charm.

The misty, moody Scottish weather during our round added another dimension to the experience, either enhancing the romantic notion of links golf or dampening spirits depending on one’s outlook. At approximately £200 per round, the value proposition becomes another consideration in evaluating Cruden Bay’s merits.

Our contrasting viewpoints mirror what many visitors experience – one of us embraced the course’s unconventional nature and historic significance, while the other felt it failed to justify its lofty ranking among the world’s best. This divergence highlights a fundamental question about golf course rankings: should we value historical significance, uniqueness and character over consistent excellence and refined design?

Ultimately, Cruden Bay represents golf’s beautiful subjectivity. Like Marmite, you’ll likely either love it or struggle to appreciate it – but you certainly won’t forget the experience. Whether it deserves its place among the world’s elite courses remains a personal judgment, but its ability to provoke passionate debate confirms its significance in the golfing landscape.