Marine North Berwick

Glen Golf Course

 

Golf was first played on the East Links, North Berwick in the 17th century, although a nine hole course did not come into being until 1894. It was extended to 18 holes in 1906 with a design provided by five times Open Champion, James Braid and his design partner Ben Sayers.

 

Suiting players of all abilities the course is challenging, but fair. It is 6,275 yards (Par 70) for men off the medal tees and a 5,773 yards (Par 73) for ladies. The Glen is an all year round course and is rarely closed due to inclement weather, playing normal greens and tees throughout the year.

Gullane No.1 Golf Course

 

Carved into the ancient links turf with smooth-running greens, pot bunkers and wispy grasses Gullane No. 1 is a unique challenge for all golfers.  Add to that the fabulous views across to Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, Fife and beyond and you have one of the world’s most cherished golfing experiences.

 

Not surprisingly, the course has been the setting for a host of highly acclaimed tournaments including the 2018 ASI Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open, the 2015 AAM Scottish Open and Final Qualifying for the Open Championship on five occasions. The Scottish Amateur Championship and the Ladies British Open Amateur

Championship have both been hosted over No. 1 on four occassions.  In 2018, Gullane hosted the European Tour: The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, won by Brandon Stone,  was played over a Championship composite course featuring 16 holes from Gullane No. 1 and two holes from Gullane No. 2.

With every hole having its own distinct character, Gullane No. 1 is both memorable and enjoyable, and undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest and most scenic links courses.

 

The architect of Course No. 1 is unknown: golf has been played over the links sinces the 1600s.  The type of grass is predominantly Bent on the fairways and Fescue on the greens. There are 124 bunkers scattered across the course and the average green size is 550m Sq.  There are distance markers on the sprinkler heads on Gullane No. 1 to the front, middle and back of each green.

Gullane No.2 Golf Course

 

Laid out by the two time Open championship winner Willie Park Jr in 1898, Gullane No. 2 runs alongside No. 1 for the first seven holes before sweeping down to a nature reserve next to Aberlady Bay.  The course turns towards home from the 13th tee with the prevailing wind, down Gullane Hill back to the new Gullane Links Clubhouse (opened June 2021).  The beauty of the East Lothian coastline and the challenge of the layout create an unforgettable round that epitomises links golf in Scotland. In particular, Gullane No. 2 is renowned for the challenge of its short holes embodied by the 215-yard, par three 11th with its wonderful views, testing downhill tee shot and tricky club selection.

 

At 6,396 yards, No. 2 is shorter than its older sibling but provides an equally stern test as it proved during final qualifying for the Open Championship in 1980, the Millennium Seniors Open Amateur Championship and the British Girls Home International Matches in 2011. National Club Golfer magazine rated Gullane No. 2 as the 39th best course in Scotland in 2019.  With challenge and charm in equal doses, Gullane No. 2 is a favourite with those who enjoy their golf with a twist in its tail.

 

The type of grass is predominantly Bent on the fairways and Fescue on the greens. There are 107 bunkers on the course and the average green size is 500m Sq.  There are 150 yard posts on each hole which mark the distance to the middle of the green.

Kilspindie Golf Course

 

Golf has been played over this piece of links land prior to 1850 but it was not until 26 November 1898 that the links was officially opened by Luffness Golf Club which was re-named Kilspindie Golf Club in 1899.

 

The links were designed by Willie Park Jr. and Ben Sayers, with minor modifications over the years. The first hole, a par 3, is due north, followed by three holes directly into the prevailing wind. The 2nd hole is the only par 5, but it can play more like a par 6 or 7. Imagine what it must have been like with hickories.

 

How many courses can boast of a “magazine” and a “target” on their course? These small buildings were exactly that up to the end of the First World War when the local territorial army unit used the course as well as the golf club – in those days, golfers had to deal with hazards other than bunkers and the rough.

 

Every year some 27-28k pairs of feet enjoy these links, a testament to its lasting design and layout.

 

Recognised locally, nationally and internationally, Kilspindie is indeed a hidden gem.

Muirfield Golf Course

 

The original course at Muirfield, created by Old Tom Morris, was initially limited by the modest area of land initially leased by the Club. However, by 1922, not only had the leased ground been purchased, an additional 50 acres of links land had also been acquired. A revised Muirfield layout, designed by Harry Colt in 1925, enhanced by Tom Simpson in the 1930’s and refined by Martin Hawtree in 2011, has resulted in an internationally admired golfing challenge which consistently ranks amongst the leading courses in the world.

 

The golf course is distinctive in a number of respects.

 

In addition to the distinctive circular layout, the calibre and fairness of each hole and the quality of the Champions who have triumphed at Muirfield, the character of the golf course is special.

The Wee Golf Course

 

Originally established in 1888 as the “Ladies’ Links” the Children’s course comprises a 9 hole Par 3 layout situated adjacent to the 15th and 16th holes on the West Links.

The West Golf Course

 

The West Links Course is a true links located on the edge of the Firth of Forth. It is a  championship course having hosted many events over the years.

 

Playing the course is all about imagination with the sea in play on 6 holes! The beach is just one long and sometimes wet hazard if the tide is in. You will find walls in the middle of fairways and in front of a green. All of these hazards are an important part of our history charting the development of the course from a few holes through to the full 18 hole course. You will enjoy on your visit.