It was a great pleasure during the recent Scottish Open to revisit the stunning Cruden Bay Golf Club.

I had first played the golf course in the late ’90s and a week after one of the former Dunhill Cup team encounters in St. Andrews.

Even to this day I can still recall never ever being so cold on a golf course and also not being able to put my hands in my pockets as I was being pelted by pin head size hail.

Some years ago I enjoyed the opportunity in arranging for good friends and journalist colleagues Michael Court, Barry Gentle and Paul Bennett to join me in playing Cruden Bay in the days after the Open Championship.

Here is the link to my story resulting from that wonderful visit:-

http://www.golfbytourmiss.com/2012/06/cruden-bay-golf-club-former-battleground-castle-ruins-bram-stoker-dolly-parton-a-links-gem/

However a few weeks ago Bob Harig, the esteemed golf reporter for ESPN.com and very good friend, and myself journeyed to Cruden Bay early on the opening day of the Scottish Open at nearby Royal Aberdeen.

While I again enjoyed the thrill of stepping back out onto Cruden Bay, Bob had extra cause to celebrate his first appearance on this Scottish links gem by driving the green at the uphill and then downhill to the green 286-yard (off the yellow tees) par four third hole and then holing his pin-high eagle putt.

With Bob’s handicap it translated into 5 Stableford points and naturally, Bob’s still dining out on this marvelous feat.

And despite the wind picking-up appreciably on the back nine it was a wonderful morning’s golf and I’m already wondering how can I find myself back to Cruden Bay sooner rather than later.

Hereunder is a few snaps from my return visit to Cruden Bay.

Bernie on the 8th tee with his favourite headcover.

Cruden Bay Golf Club – view from the back of the 8th green.

Bernie revisiting Cruden Bay Golf Club.

Cruden Bay Golf Club – Stunning view looking over the 7th green, 8th hole and 16th green to the right of photo.

Cruden Bay Golf Club – 13th fairway with stunning North Sea backdrop.

Bob Harig making his way to Cruden Bay’s 12th tee.

Cruden Bay Golf Club -13th fairway left and 10th fairway to the right.

ESPN’s Bob Harig standing on 15th tee.