Cruden Bay Golf Club has one of the finest and least-known links courses in Scotland — a rolling, eccentric layout that follows the natural contours of the dunes above the bay. Opened in 1899, the course was designed by Tom Simpson and Archie Simpson and has been modified little since. It plays to a par of 70 over 6,395 yards, with blind shots, severe rough, and the constant presence of the North Sea wind making it far more demanding than the yardage suggests.
The clubhouse has views over the bay. Green fees are moderate by Scottish links standards. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly in summer. The course is relatively unknown internationally — it doesn't host major championships — which keeps the atmosphere unpretentious and the tee times manageable. Even those who don't play golf will find the walk along the edge of the links with the dunes and sea below worth the effort.