North Berwick Golf Club — Attraction in Scotland

I am from Austin Texas, and recently found myself staying for several days in the lovely community of North Berwick in East Lothian with my wife and friends. The agency we used for local golf bookings got us into Gullane and Dunbar courses, but not the premier and more local West Links of North Berwick.

So I called on my own. Thanks to the engaging starter Simon whom I spoke with, (I must have sounded either genuine or desperate to play the legendary links layout) he trusted his instincts to let me on, and what a fantastic day it was for me on the afternoon of 4June 2024. The winds were up, which -- even with local caddie -- produced a rude outward nine of 47. But I came home encouraged that day by an inward 38, which certainly righted the ship for this novice of Scotland's finest!

I shall ever be grateful to the Grand Starter Simon (and his trusty Debbie fill-in) for allowing me this opportunity to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the N Berwick West Links layout. The "Redan" par 3 was especially intriguing, as I had previously gotten to play an early copycat version hole curiously also named Redan at The Country Club (Brookline, Massachusetts), home of America's true onramp of the game.

POSTSCRIPT: A day later, I was shopping in the old town section and came upon -- entirely by coincidence -- the living great grandson of one Ben Sayers architect/builder of the West Links. He runs a Collectibles Shop called The Penny Farthing on Quality Street in N Berwick. Stuart Tait his name, was a delight...

Incredible golf course that was in fantastic shape for the dead of winter. The staff were all as friendly as they could be, and the members I encountered were also incredibly kind and accommodating. Played my round with 20-25 mph winds with rental top tier Titleist clubs in full sunshine, which was a wonderful surprise. Everyone made me feel as welcome as they could. I ended up being paired with a member and a couple of his friends, and having them around definitely helped me navigate the course better than if I were to have played solo. The views of the sea, old rock walls, and the houses and entire town were second to none.

By far the best golf course I've had the pleasure of playing, and if I ever return to the UK from the US, I'll be sure to swing back by. North Berwick is a great town, and the golf course fits in perfectly. It's the most welcoming golf course I've ever played, and I felt truly appreciated for being there. Could not recommend this...

Simply the best course I've ever played - stunning from start to finish, never the same view, perfect tracking, rotation of Pars and balance of hole types and distances.

The 9 out 9 back style with the prevailing wind means you'll play 9 outstanding but perhaps slightly more 'standard' holes heading out (all immaculately manicured, brilliantly designed) with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th being particularly challenging into the wind and essentially playing as 1 shot over their par.

On the back 9 the course takes a turn for the spectacular and intricate, with 13, 14 and 16 in particular truly memorable golf holes you won't see anywhere else.

Do not go anywhere near this coastline and miss playing this course - lovely 18th and clubhouse as well, although it would be fair to say the town relies on the golf...