Golf Towns - North Berwick
You can’t help but smile en route for a game at North Berwick. The pull of the East Lothian coast, the pull of the famous links and its glorious views, the pull of a fun round of golf. It’s always fun at North Berwick, after all, just the way the sport should be.
For the first time in many a year, I was lucky enough to play the renowned championship links back in the early summer given my neighbour is a proud member. I didn’t need much persuading. On a late Friday evening with the sun going down over the old town, not a breath of wind (a rarity I know) and the camaraderie of a friendly four-ball, there are few finer settings in Scottish golf. Occasionally we all just stood, savouring the setting, thankful for the conditions and our shared love of this wonderful game.
The West Links
Golf has been played over the historic West Links since the 17th century. From almost every tee you can take in breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra. Much like St Andrews or Troon, the course feels integral to the town. Golf was meant to be played here and members and visitors from all across the world continue to relish it. The 1st tee is only a short walk from the town itself and its bustling streets, while the 18th – a short par 4 – reminds you of the closing hole on the Old Course in St Andrews. Aim left to the open expanse, just don’t hit those parked cars on the right!
Such is its stature, the par-71 test, which stretches to 6,551 yards, has hosted Final Qualifying for The Open and many men's and women's amateur championships. Catriona Matthew is synonymous with the town. Growing up and developing her acclaimed game on the links, she is a Major winner and a double-winning Solheim Cup captain. Yet, wherever she has travelled on a global scale, North Berwick is always home.
“I’m lucky enough to live in a place like this to be honest,” admits Matthew. “You definitely learn a bigger variety of shots growing up here, especially around the greens.”
Imagination is key. You will find walls in the middle of fairways and in front of a green (13th, Pit). You will find some remarkable putting surfaces (16th, Gate). You will find bunkers tough to escape. Above all, you will find a course so good for the soul. You will find yourself soon booking a return visit.
Don’t miss the ‘Wee Course’ either. A children’s course comprising a nine-hole par-3 layout situated adjacent to the 15th and 16th holes on the West Links, it is the ideal facility for youngsters to learn the game, with the course maintained by the club’s expert greenkeeping staff. Grace Crawford, a Great Britain & Ireland Junior Vagliano team member, is one emerging talent at the club to keep a close eye on. The next Catriona Matthew?
The Marine North Berwick
Situated only 40 minutes from Edinburgh on a glorious stretch of East Lothian linksland aptly known as ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’, North Berwick offers the chance to unwind. Pack the clubs in the car, enjoy the championship links, have a giggle on the 18-hole West Links Putting Green, add an other 18 holes with a visit to The Glen Golf Club on the east side of town (you can thank me later) and book yourself in at the recently upgraded Marine North Berwick. Following a major refurbishment, it boasts 84 rooms as well as a restaurant, bar, spa, pool, fitness centre and 6,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces.
Above all, this elegant, luxury hotel offers sumptuous views across the course and beyond to the sea. With stunning architectural design, it is a place to escape and one very hard to leave. The same, of course, can be said for the West and East Links. We raise a glass to all three.