Royal Aberdeen: Balgownie
Aberdeen
One of the world's oldest clubs, with a front nine threaded through towering dunes.
Cruden Bay, Aberdeen & The North East
Cruden Bay
Wild, rollicking links in a giant amphitheatre of dunes above the bay.
The Bay of Cruden, Aberdeenshire
Cruden Bay was built by a railway company in 1899 to bring golfers to a grand hotel that has long since disappeared. The course remains: wild, rollicking links in a vast amphitheatre of dunes above the bay.
Blind shots, hidden dells and views of the ruins of Slains Castle, said to have inspired Bram Stoker, make it one of the most memorable rounds in Scotland.
- Location
- Cruden Bay
- History
- 1899
- Design
- Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson; redesigned by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler
- Include Cruden Bay in my journey
What to look forward to
Dramatic dunes and blind shots
Views over the bay and village
The clifftop ruins of Slains Castle nearby
Playing as a visitor
Visitors are welcome on most days. It is around forty minutes north of Aberdeen.
Visitor policies, handicap requirements and tee-time procedures are set by each club and can change. We confirm the current position for your dates and never assume or guarantee access.
Pairs well with
Courses that sit naturally alongside Cruden Bay in a well-paced itinerary.
Murcar Links
Aberdeen
Rugged dune golf just north of the city, often paired with Balgownie.
Play Cruden Bay, beautifully arranged.
Tell us when you would like to travel and which other courses you have in mind. We will advise honestly on what is realistic and design the journey around it.
Begin Planning Your Journey