Course: North Berwick Golf Club - North Berwick

Scotland is home to some of the most natural links courses in the world and the west course at the North Berwick Golf Club in the Royal burgh of North Berwick is a prime example. Located on the Firth of Forth, North Berwick is the 13th oldest golf club in the world. It is second only after St. Andrews to have the game played continuously on its original fairways.

Founded in 1832 and designed by an architect whose name is lost in the annals of time, North Berwick is a quirky little layout that is neither too long nor very demanding. It started out life as a 6-hole course and was extended to 18-holes in 1877. Measuring just 6,420 yards and playing for a par of 71, North Berwick is short but engaging and requires every shot making skill a golfer has. The course has a world class collection of oft-replicated holes with its 7th, 9th and 15th finding a place in The 500 Worlds Greatest Golf Holes. Its signature hole, the 15th, called Redan has inspired similar construction at both Pebble Beach and Shinnecock Hills.

With the entire course carved out of land raised 300 ft. above the sea level, North Berwick offers a panoramic view of the sea across to Craigleith Island and Bass Rock. Largely untouched by human interference, the layout has evolved naturally over the years and makes a round at North Berwick a stimulating experience. The receding sea that once covered the land has left behind its indelible impressions in the form of mounds, ridges and depressions, adding to the beauty of the layout.

Whether it is due to the short, lenient rough or its deep bunkers, its many burns, hollows and humps, North Berwick offers a very pleasurable round of golf. Incoming winds from the sea ask for a battle, but the spectacular view of their origin make it worth the while.