The
east coast at North Berwick was once described as coming of
from the 'Primitive Age' of golf, that period when a very
special group of courses were evolving naturally with little
help from the hand of man.
The 'Primitive' classification is a reflection on the course's
antiquity, it is a fact that North Berwick stands among very
elevated company, St Andrews, Carnoustie, Montrose, Leven
and Dunbar being the sites of the earliest courses down the
east coast of Scotland. North Berwick is one of Scotland's
most historical course, founded in 1832, it is one of the
country's oldest clubs. Although a private club, visitors
are made most welcome and can look forward to an excellent
layout, on one of the games most remarkable courses. A full
appreciation of the merits of North Berwick is not usually
gained on the first acquaintance, like the Old Course this
is a links that needs time to get to know.
It
has become a regular Open Championship qualifying course whenever
the Open reaches Muirfield, some of the holes having wonderful
names 'Point Garry Out', 'Mizzentop', 'Carl Kemp' and 'Pit'
among them. 'Point Garry Out' is the opening hole, and at
one time shared a huge double green with the 17th hole. The
wall comes into play for the first time at the long third,
when the second shot has to be played over it to reach the
green, at 460 yards it is one of a trio of holes measuring
over 450 yards on the front nine. The first nine holes are
some 200 yards longer than the home nine, making for an outward
par 36. Although shorter and playing with the prevailing wind
the homeward nine present a stiff challenge, with the real
interest spread over the closing six holes.
Probably the most famous hole is the par three 15th , the
'Redan Hole'. A long three played to a plateau green set at
an angle away from the line of play, by a deep bunker in the
front left. A classically guarded one shotter that's been
copied many times, most notably on the 2nd hole at Somerset
Hills, New Jersey, and both the 7th and 17th holes of Shinnecock
Hills, venue of the U.S. Open in 1995.
For the aspiring golfers, there is a children's course at
North Berwick, originally constructed as a ladies course back
in 1888 and laid out as nine holes. The children's course
is used to actively encourage youngsters to take-up the game
before venturing on to the 18 hole layout.
The workshop of North Berwick's most famous golfing son, Ben
Sayers, still stands today and is used by the current professional,
David Huish. Ben Sayers played in 43 consecutive Open Championships
from 1880 until 1923, a world renowned teacher and club manufacturer
his pupils included King Edward VII and King George V.
North Berwick is one of the most attractive and stimulating
links anywhere, and one well worth adding to your itinerary.
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North
Berwick Golf Club
West Links
Beach Road
North Berwick
EH39 4BB
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Founded:-
1832
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Type
of course:- Links
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No
of holes:- 18
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Distance:-
6420 yds
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Par:-
71 (SSS 71)
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Designer:-
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Location:- East Lothian |
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