Cullen Links

Cullen Links Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind golfing experience, played in and around the red sandstone rocks of Moray, looking out over the North Sea.

The course has been around since the 1870s, and apart from being extended to 18 holes, not much has really changed around the place.

The ‘Shortest True Links in the World’ is just 4,600 yards, thanks to an 18-hole layout that includes 10 par 3s. There is just one par 5, but plenty of undulation to keep you guessing.

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The history of Cullen Links is a long and storied one, dating back well over 150 years to its founding in 1870.

The great Old Tom Morris – fresh off the back of winning his fourth Open Championship – designed the original 9 holes at the course.

It soon became an 18-hole layout, but it has the moniker of being the ‘Shortest True Links in the World’.

To say Cullen Links is somewhat unique as a golf course in the United Kingdom might well be an understatement. It is sheltered in the lee of a crescent of distinctively red, sandstone cliffs, for the 1st hole. Then you clamber blindly onto the tops, and hang onto its edge for four more, before parachuting back down. Back on the links, the golf is as compact as it is adequate, and all the better for its lack of fuss. The terrain does much of the work here, on a course that has no fewer than TEN par 3s! From that, you might well work out that it is a short course – coming in at just over 4,600 yards. As a Par 63, though, it is a great challenge, and a great afternoon out.

It begins with a gentle 345-yarder, one of just three par 4s on the front side at Cullen. There are no bunkers, and no real trouble to worry about on the opening hole, with a great birdie chance to get you on your way. The 2nd then takes you up to the top of the hills, a rising par 3 of only 120 yards (if it was flat). Take at least one more club to make sure you get up the hill. The 3rd is the first of four par 3s that are over 200 yards, with this one coming in at more than 230 yards from the tips. There is nothing in front of the green, so those that like to run the ball up to the surface could do well here.

The 4th is then a flick of a wedge at just 130 yards, with two bunkers on the left side of the green. The banks of the escarpment are also on your right, making this a tricky little tee shot. The 5th is the longest hole on the top side of the course at Cullen at 360 yards. It is a gentle par 4, though, with a generous fairway. There is no room behind the green, so make sure your approach is short rather than long. The last of the holes on the top is the par 3 6th. It is around 175 yards, and played slightly over the drop to find the green. The drop is down the left side of the putting surface, but there is plenty of space short of the green, once you’ve cleared the drop!

The 7th then takes you back down the escarpment, and plays much shorter than its yardage of 220 yards. It is a par 3, and there is a ditch that runs behind the green, so it is not an easy hole. 8 is a gentle par 4, one of only 285 yards, and drivable for the longer hitters. Two bunkers guard the square green. The 9th is another long par 3, which plays over both the 8th and 10th fairways towards the coast. Anything long of this green will find itself on the rocks or the sand. At just over 300 yards, most will stay short of the ditch on the par 4 10th. It winds its way from the coast, through the course, running in front of the green on 10. A wide fairway allows for errant shots, but anything left will find itself on the beach.

The quartet of par 3s from 11 to 14 play over and round the sandstone rocks, but don’t get distracted by the gorgeous reds you will see during this part of the round. 11 is another long par 3, pushing 240 yards, and is a hole where a par will see you score well compared to your friends and competitors. Many come here for the 12th: Over the previous flag, and then over a “V” in the tapered shoulder of the cliff, the green is not as welcoming as one would expect. There's also the 13th; running eastward along the precipice, between and over two further offset outcrops to a hidden saucer, this villainous three is by comparison, quirk-free. 14 is another lengthy par 3, at more than 200 yards, and plays back towards the rocks and the beach. Again, short is better than long.

The closing stretch at Cullen begins with the sole par 5 on the layout. The 15th is more than 500 yards and plays as a slight dog-leg left with the beach down its left and a road down its right. It is pretty wide, though, so the longer hitters can have a thrash and try and get there in two. 16 is the first of the closing trio of par 4s and comes back inland, crossing over the 15th fairway. The green is protected by three pot bunkers, all on the right side. Although 17 is only 270 yards, driving the green is not the best play. Instead, play out to the left to give yourself the best angle to attack the putting surface. The closing hole at Cullen is a 330-yard par 4, and another good scoring chance. Avoid the fairway bunker on the left side and the green is at your mercy. Make sure you work out where the flag sits, though, as it is a large green.

Where is Cullen Links located?

Cullen Links Golf Club is situated on the northeastern coastline of Scotland, in the region of Moray. It sits just to the east of the town of Cullen, and overlooks the North Sea. Buckie is a few miles to the west, with Elgin and Banff also in close proximity. Inverness and Aberdeen are both around 60 miles from the venue.

Thanks to its location, both Inverness Airport and Aberdeen Airport are around an hour’s drive from Cullen Links. The latter is the bigger and busier of the two, with more flights and destinations on a daily basis. There is no rail service in this part of the country, with the nearest stations being at Elgin and Keith. However, those are both further than 15 miles away from Cullen Links.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?

Cullen Links Golf Club is certainly not the only venue in this part of Scotland. Elgin, Duff House Royal and Moray – with its Old and New Courses – are all within 25 miles of Cullen Links. Fraserburgh, Inverallochy, Nairn Dunbar and Nairn are all within 45 miles.

What golf facilities does Cullen Links offer?

Due to the spatial constraints, Cullen Links does not have a driving range. However, there are hitting nets by the clubhouse, and a putting green next to the opening tee box – all overlooking the North Sea.

What are the green fees at Cullen Links?

The price of a green fee at Cullen Links changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Cullen Links, visit their website here.