Our first round of our awesome golf trip to the Home of Golf takes us to Cruden Bay, located about as west and north as you can go in Scotland. Like many of Canada's great golf courses, Cruden Bay was commissioned by a railway, the Great North of Scotland Railway Company wanted to woo people to this attractive seaside location. And what an attractive seaside location it is.
It was so beautiful, the designers wisely left the land exactly as they found it. The result is a course that meanders up, down and around dunes. It has a one disjointed hole high off a cliff, three par 3s on the back nine, including back-to-back one-shotters at 15 & 16. But leaving the greatest impression on a first-timer are the numerous blind shots. It is critical to have a caddy here. Thankfully, I had George who, like most caddies at Cruden Bay, is a member as well, so he spoke with experience.
Next up: Royal Aberdeen
Welcome to Cruden Bay
The tee shot through the dunes at the 6th
7th tee shot requires a 215 yd carry over the gorse
And this was the next shot - the approach at 7
Beautiful view from the 9th tee box, the highest point on the course
Pace of play in Scotland means little waiting, but this is a view worth taking in
The blind approach to #14
Crank your head right to see the rare par-3 dogleg and of course, another blind shot
George says "See the poll above my head, aim left of that"
The view to the west of the 15th tee box
Thanks George, could not have done it without you