North Berwick West Links

The West Links of North Berwick is another fine example of why this part of Scotland's east coast is often known as the "Cradle of Golf". Golf has been played over these links since the 17th century. The golf club was formed in 1832 with ten founding members.

This is a highly enjoyable and well presented links which offers a few quirky features that hark back to the original layout and underline the long history of the golf course. The course does not bear the imprint of an imposed architect design, rather the layout has been set by the terrain. The sea is in play on 6 of the holes, with the beach a hazard to the golfer's right – not that far from the fairway. There are low stone walls in the middle of fairways and in front of one of the greens. The 16th green is actually in two distinct parts, split by a gully. Power hitting is not the key to a good round, imagination, shot making and accuracy are more important.

There are breathtaking views all around – across the Firth of Forth, to the nearby islands, and back to the town of North Berwick where the golf course starts, just a few minutes walk from the High Street. The club is a visitor favourite and is known for extending a warm welcome.

The West Links has regularly been a Final Qualifying venue when the Open Championship has been held at Muirfield.

The golf course has three particularly renowned holes. The 13th, "Pit", is a short par 4 needing a creative approach to a sunken green beyond a wall to the left of the fairway. The 14th, "Perfection" requires two perfect shots to hit the green, while the 15th, "Redan" is a testing par 3 to a large sloping green – a layout that has been copied around the world.

The course does not have an express handicap limit but due to the challenge of the course the club requests that male golfers should have a handicap of no more than 24 and ladies no more than 36. The course is not suitable for beginners or inexperienced golfers. Handicap certificates should be brought and may be requested.

Please note the club reserves the right to refuse a booking based on ability, and also reserves the right to ask golfers to leave the course is they are holding up play.

Address:
The North Berwick Golf Club
New Club House
Beach Road
North Berwick
East Lothian
EH39 4BB
What 3 Words:
///quite.timing.lads
Telephone:
01620 892135
Pro shop:
01620 893233
Email:
bookings@northberwickgolfclub.com
Costs (2022):
Weekday round: £200.00
Weekday day ticket: £295.00
Weekend round: £200.00
Club hire: £40.00
Caddie hire: £50.00
Restrictions:
Handicap certificate required: Yes
Handicap restriction - men: 24
Handicap restriction - women: 36
Buggy hire:
No
Driving range:
No
Course rating:
72.5
Slope rating:
130
Airport driving times*

* For guidance only - all timings are traffic dependent.

Options we suggest:

Within 15 minutes drive time
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