Cool, compact and deceptively difficult

As links courses go there are few that enjoy the natural attractions that Cullen Golf Club does.

At first glance the 67-acre course, which stretches just 4,597 yards from the back tees, would seem to present few problems for any reasonable player.

But, anyone who underestimates the demands of this par 63 course does so at their peril! Despite being possibly the shortest true links experience in the world this quirky Old Tom Morris gem is deceptively challenging.

Situated on the rugged north east coast of Scotland, overlooking the magnificent Moray Firth, the club can officially trace its history back 150 years to its formation in 1870.

Photo by VisitAberdeenshire

However there is documented evidence that the game was being played on the links long before then - more than 200 years earlier at least.

A fascinating entry in the local Burgh Register reveals that in 1641 James and George Duffus, along with their friend George Stevinson, were convicted by the Kirk Session of breaking the Sabbath by playing golf on a Sunday instead of going to church.

Each man was fined a 1/2 merk, which was the Scottish currency at the time, and ordered to repent their sins the following week.

The men must have been pretty enthusiastic lovers of the game as their fine is believed to have been equivalent to about four days pay for a skilled worker.

Looking over Cullen to the golf course

Photo Lucas Cullen CC BY-SA 3.0

Cullen has come a long way since then and players, both local residents and visitors, are free to enjoy a game any day of the week without fear of being fined.

The growth of Cullen as a golfing attraction has been gradual over a long period of time. Initially the course was only six holes but in 1851 Old Tom Morris was enticed away from St Andrews long enough to help transform the course into an exciting 9-hole experience.

A little more than 50 years later, in 1907, extra land was acquired from the Seafield family and the course was again extended. Charles Neaves, the professional from Lossiemouth, was brought in to put his stamp on the course and turn it into a ‘must play’ 18 holes.

Despite the upgrades Cullen remains shorter than most of the more famous championship courses in the region, but no less enjoyable. It is often overlooked by visiting golfers who by-pass this corner of the country to head from Aberdeen up to the likes of Castle Stuart near Inverness.

Photo by VisitAberdeenshire

In keeping with Old Tom’s original vision the front nine follows a path up on to the ridge giving players a breathtaking view of the sea, and the occasional dolphin, while the back nine winds its way back to beach level.

Throughout the course, which has total of 10 par 3s, there are numerous blind shots and natural traps which provide players with a unique experience. There can be few, if any, places in the world that can boast an 80ft sandstone rock formation more than 500million years old as an obstacle.

While the first sixth hole is considered by many to have the best views, although the seventh is arguably just as spectacular, it’s the 15th that’s the longest. At 510-yards it is the only par 5 on the round.

But, for pure fun and enjoyment holes 11, 12,13, and 14 are totally unique. A series of rocks and dips conspire to ensure the chance of scoring four consecutive par 3s is rare indeed.

Overall, Cullen is a remarkable place to play. It may not be the longest or the most prestigious but for fun it’s got to be one of the best in Scotland, if not Europe.

Factbox: Location: Banffshire Year Established: 1850 Total distance: 4,623 yards Longest Hole: 15th, 511 yards, par 5 Best Views: 6th (Bay View) Signature Hole: 7th (Firth View)