Cullen Links
Old Tom Morris laid out the first nine holes at Cullen in 1870, on a wild stretch of the Moray Firth where the links runs between towering rock stacks and the beach. Extended to eighteen in 1905, it is a par 63 of about 4,600 yards with ten par 3s, often called the shortest true links in the world, and one of the most charming and affordable rounds in Scotland.
Photo: Cullen Links Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Cullen is golf at its most joyful and unusual. Old Tom Morris routed the first nine in 1870 on the low links beside the beach on the Moray Firth in the northeast of Scotland, and the course was extended to eighteen holes in 1905. It is a par 63 of only about 4,600 yards, with ten par 3s and a single par 5, and it is regularly described as the shortest true links in the world.
What makes it special is the setting and the fun. Great red sandstone stacks rise out of the links, the sea is never far, and dolphins are often seen offshore. It is not a championship test, but it is a delight, a course any golfer can play and enjoy, and the green fee is among the best value in Scotland. Pair it with the bigger links of the northeast for a varied trip.
Cullen Links at a glance
- Opened
- 1870
- Designer
- Old Tom Morris
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 63
- Yardage
- About 4,600 yds
- Green fee
- From about £25
Designer, history, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Cullen Links Golf Club and leading course databases. The first nine holes were laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1870 and the course was extended to eighteen in 1905, a par 63 of about 4,600 yards. Visitors are welcome with indicative green fees of about £25 to £35. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The lower holes run along the beach and the upper holes climb to the clifftop, with the great sandstone stacks framing several shots, including drives that must flirt with the rock. It is quirky in the best sense, full of blind shots, short par 4s and a remarkable collection of par 3s.
At about 4,600 yards it is short, but the wind off the Moray Firth can turn the little holes into a real test of touch and imagination. This is golf to be played with a smile, plotting clever routes rather than overpowering the course.
Cullen is also superb value and welcoming to visitors, which makes it an ideal change of pace on a northeast Scotland golf trip alongside the longer links nearby. Few rounds anywhere are this much fun for the money.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Visitors welcome; book a tee time in advance, especially in summer |
| Green fee | Indicative about £25 to £35 for 18 holes (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Contact the club or book online; quieter than the famous links, but summer can be busy |
| On the day | Walking on a short, hilly links; carry or take a trolley |
| Getting there | Cullen on the Moray coast, about an hour east of Inverness |
| Best months | May to September for the warmest, driest links weather on the Moray Firth |
Green fees verified June 2026 and reported about £25 to £35 for 18 holes; figures are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base in or near Cullen and the Moray coast towns, or use Inverness as a hub for the wider golf of the Highlands and the northeast. The area is quiet, scenic and excellent value, with the famous links of the region within easy reach.
For a golf focused trip, a Moray or Inverness base lets you pair Cullen with the longer links of the northeast for a varied and affordable Scottish itinerary. The coast is at its best in the long days of summer.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Cullen Links.
Plan a Moray golf trip
We pair Cullen with the great links of the northeast, secure the tee times and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Cullen Links questions
Who designed Cullen Golf Club?
The first nine holes at Cullen were laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1870, and the course was extended to eighteen holes in 1905.
What is the par and length of Cullen?
Cullen is a par 63 of about 4,600 yards, with ten par 3s and one par 5, often called the shortest true links in the world.
Can visitors play Cullen?
Yes. Cullen welcomes visitors and is excellent value, with tee times bookable in advance through the club. Summer can be busy, so reserve ahead.
Why is Cullen famous?
Cullen is famous for its dramatic setting on the Moray Firth, with great sandstone sea stacks rising out of the links, and for being one of the most fun and affordable links rounds in Scotland.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.