Among sleepy fishing villages on Scotland’s north eastern coast is Cullen Links, a course like no other.
Cullen Links, Banffshire, is just 4597 yards long; a par 63 and the epitome of quirkiness.
Only an hour’s drive from famed championship links like Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen, you may laugh at the prospect of playing a course with ten par threes and only one par-five.
The laugh soon turns to a smile when you have more fun than you thought possible for under £40.
Cullen Links is holiday golf in a holiday setting. The idyllic bay and white sprawling beach form a majestic panorama for this tiny links founded in 1870 and designed by none other than Old Tom Morris.
The unbridled thrill of the course lies in its par three holes, none of which are bland. A successive quartet of short-holes from the 11th to the 14th distinguishes the back nine and all feature Cullen’s signature landmark, the enormous 80-foot Boar Crag.
The 12th and 13th are most exciting, playing directly over this rusty red colossus, which completely blocks the green from view. Half the thrill of playing is placing your score in the hands of lady luck.
It’s difficult to lose a ball on this immaculately kept course, and with such short holes you could easily play twice without entertaining thoughts of the 19th hole.
When you do tire of this uncomplicated and refreshing course, head into the nearby town centre for a bowl of “Cullen Skink”, the creamy white chowder for which the region is famed – the ultimate surprise package.
Cullen Links: Fact-file
Founded: 1870
Designer: Old Tom Morris
Par and Yardage: 4597-yards, par 63
Location: From the A947 from Aberdeen take the B9139 from Buckie.
Address: The Links, Cullen, Buckie, Banffshire. AB56 4WB
Web : https://www.cullenlinksgolf.co.uk/
Tel: 01542 840685