St. Olaf at Cruden Bay exists because of the railway; a byproduct of Victorian enthusiasm for golf and the burgeoning rail network. A more modest sibling to the championship links that brought the course into being, St. Olaf offers a delightful, more forgiving alternative carved into the wild Aberdeenshire dunes. James Braid, five-time Open Champion, shaped this shorter layout, a classic out-and-back design that presents its own unique challenges. While lacking the fearsome length of its neighbour, St. Olaf favours the cunning strategist over the pure bomber. Don't be fooled by the par, its narrow fairways are surrounded by unforgiving gorse and heather, and are very penal. More than just a shorter version of the championship course, St. Olaf is a local treasure, home to a fiercely loyal membership who relish the camaraderie and the inherent charm of playing golf in its purest form. The clubhouse is known to be a warm, welcoming space, a place where tales of miraculous escapes and near misses are shared over hearty post-round meals. And while St. Olaf may not host major championships, it has hosted regional events.