North Berwick is a classic Scottish links course, set in a lovely little seaside town on the east coast of Scotland. It’s only a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, and should be on your list to play. It is also surrounded by many really great golf courses all within a 25 minute radius.
Looking down the 18th
We used to go to East Lothian for family holidays and when we went to North Berwick, I always wondered if I might get to play the course. Well, here we are and I am a very proud member since 2010.
North Berwick itself is a picturesque seaside village about 45 minutes drive from the airport. Edinburgh is easy to get to via a 30 minute train ride. The town is a convenient base to access all the 20 plus courses in the region, all within less than 15 miles distance, an amazing golfing location. You will also find the weather a bit different from the rest of Scotland. I am convinced there's some kind of micro climate here as I have been playing in shorts and golf shirts watching the rain hit Edinburgh just along the coast. (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/es).
The golf course occupies a wonderful position adjacent to some beautiful beaches and has several famous holes including the 13th Pit, and 15th Reddan. Most folks agree that 13-14-15-16 are both very challenging and unique holes.
I found this link which provides spectacular views of the course: https://www.ukgolfguy.com/golf-blog/north-berwick-from-the-air
16th green - the Biarritz- is one of the most unusual I have ever played, and nice view of the Old Marine Hotel
This is off the 11th tee August 2021
Lovely view back from the 11th tee.
Looking down the 18th to the Clubhouse.
A view of the harbor part of town with the Bass Rock in the background, taken from the first tee at NBGC.
Magnificent beaches all along the golf course. You can walk for miles. Thats the famous Bass Rock in the back ground.
This is the Fidra Island and Lighthouse.
The island's name is believed to be Old Norse in origin, referring to the large number of bird feathers found there. Like the nearby Bass Rock, it has a substantial seabird population, and is now an RSPB reserve. Robert Louis Stevenson often visited the beaches at the area known today as Yellowcraig and it is said that he based his map of Treasure Island on the shape of Fidra.
Gill at first tee 2009
The Clubhouse is lovely. It has been modernized and updated in a number of aspects but still retains the feel of a comfortable place with a nice relaxed atmosphere. The staff are friendly and the upstairs lounge a good place for lunch after. The old men's locker room is used occasionally as a dining room. I have hosted a couple of events there including a dinner after my daughter's wedding, and it was just a wonderful experience. You can hire the place and I recommend you do if you have anywhere between 12-36 in your party. It's just a lovely place and the cost is extremely moderate.
I took this pic (on my iPhone) in September 2015 when we had a celebration supper at the Club with some family and friends after my daughter Louise's wedding.
Us in 2010 with the Eighteenth flag in the background.
The pro-shop is welcoming and run by Martyn Huish. It is a unique facility as it is located almost in a bunker under the first teeing area. The range of items for sale is very good, and Martyn’s team are very helpful and friendly.
The starter's box has a small putting area, but your only warm up will be hitting seven irons into netting outside Martyn’s shop unless you want to drive 5/6 minutes to the practice ground. T=You don’t need to as the first hole is a 6 iron-6 iron start with will get you warmed up..
Here's the card of the course:
The course plays straight out to the 8th hole then starts to turn back at 10.
The perils of missing the 18th fairway right. Ed VV in 2010. He did not make par.
One of the guys trip:
Turner Bailey, Eric Sappenfield, Kevin Keady, Clarke Bailey, Timmy Dolan, mw, Peter Dolan, Chris Wolters.
Beached at the second hole
My cousin Pat's husband Alan Phillips playing from the beach at number 2 in 2010.
Beached again in June 2017
Me at the famous 13th hole "the Pit". I'd like to say this is my second shot but ....
Also had an interesting put off the green at The Pit:
Magical light
The famous Pit
Breaking news... And she did it again in 2021. What an amazing achievement. They ought to rename the Dining Room or something in her honour.
Some friends from New York played the course in June 2019. Brilliant fun with Clark, Clarke, OT, Wacker, Tim, Ed, and Fasto
I managed to play more than 100 rounds in 2021, the year after my official retirement; I played the 100th round at North Berwick on 11-12-21. It was a dark start, we got rained on a bit an dot temperature never rose above 53, but it was sensational and I shot 74, which was very nice. Played with Alan and Steve, my NBGC buddies from the summer.
View back from Green One after a 7.52am tee off. Made Par!
Played again in September with some buddies from WFGC. All agreed this was a favourite from the 7 courses we played in East Lothian and Fife.
