Cruden Bay Golf Club was a hidden gem that has now been discovered by the tour groups. It’s on the east coast above Aberdeen and Trump National, both of which get more attention, which is fine with us. Meanwhile, the course is spectacular with views that go on for miles and a history that goes back to the Vikings. We changed our original starting time because when I called to book this course a month ago, I was already late to get the time I wanted. There are so many tour buses and cruise ships coming through that the whole atmosphere changed from being small and friendly to being very business-like. On the day I called, the usual secretary was not at her desk, but Andrew Wood was. Andrew is the General Manager and should not be taking reservations. But he’s also a great guy and terrific at his job. We had a nice chat, and we were all set.
Until we arrived. That’s when the secretary told us, “Ye dinnae hae a bookin’ at all.” Andrew came out of his office, remembered our chat, and said that he’d completely forgotten to write it down. It’s a friendly place. Everyone was smiling. The secretary suggested that we skip yesterday because of the rain and play today in the sunshine. Boy, was that a great suggestion!
Stewart was our caddie and made such a difference in my game, because even though I know the course, it’s been two years and things change. This is another Old Tom Morris course, so the first hole isn’t long, but balls tend to roll right. He likes to plan holes upwind and downwind, which works perfectly on this course. Second shot, as close as you can get to either the green or the pin, two putts, and done with that one. #2 is even more on edge with all shots running to the right and a raised green with the pin on the right. Wow. Hard today.
#3, hit a good drive, put the second shot on the green right next to the pin. Easy birdie (I rarely get birdies in Scotland). Just hole after hole of interesting and challenging holes. Knowing where to place the ball is key. I have to say that of all the courses we’ve played this trip (9 so far), this, North Berwick, and Carnoustie tomorrow, are the best laid out, most interesting courses—and that includes Castle Stuart.
It was a terrific day and a good day for shot making. After golf, we headed for Carnoustie, but because of roadwork, we were led down winding, country roads that might make a person seasick. John stuck to his side of the road when we met up with the occasional truck (lorry), but otherwise, it was just sheep farm after sheep farm. Sheep on this side had been sheared. Sheep on that side had not. Baaa…
The Carnoustie Hotel and Spa is right off the 18th green and a very lovely place. Though I prefer the charm of the Golf View Hotel and Kilmarnock Arms, this traditional hotel gives us a break. We met Kerr for a drink in the bar and had a chat that covered just about everything but the weather. That, we’ll get to in the morning when we tee off. 8:45, rain or shine!
Good night.