Cullen Golf Links Morayshire

Cullen must lay claim to the most remarkable site for a golf course in Europe. There is not a lot of room within this amazing environment for Cullen’s 18 holes, with the course playing it’s outward nine close to the cliffs before doing an about-turn with the inward nine playing back at beach level.

At 4,597 yards long, it does manage to fit in a 510-yard par-five 15th. Matthew Moore of Golf Monthly played the course in June 2004 and the following comments were published in Golf Monthly in October 2004. “In the far north eastern corner of Scotland is a course like no other. Cullen in Moray-at just 4,597 yards and par 63 – is the epitomy of ‘quirky’. Cullen is holiday golf in a holiday setting.

The idyllic bay and white sprawling beach form majestic surroundings for a tiny links founded as long ago as 1870 and designed by none other than Old Tom Morris. The unbridled thrill of the course lies in its par 3s. A quartet of short holes from the 11th to the 14th is the highlight of back nine and each features Cullen’s signature landmark – the 80ft. Boar Crag. The 12th and 13th are the most exiting, playing directly over this rusty red colossus, which completely blocks the greens from view.

You could easily play twice without entertaining thoughts of the 19th on this immaculately kept course. When you do tire of this uncomplicated and refreshing layout, head into the clubhouse for a bowl of “Cullen Skink”, the creamy white chowder for which the region is famed – you’ll find it as Pleasantly surprising as the golf course