Gill and I played in August 2021. Neither of us scored very well, but we had a fun afternoon, and enjoyed meeting a few of the locals on the course.
Here’s a pic of Gill at the Clubhouse, and me on 16 tee; you can just about see Edinburgh in the distance:
This is a link to the Club’s website: https://www.longniddrygolfclub.co.uk
The Club began in 1921, but “There have been a number of alterations to Harry Colt’s original layout. In 1936, James Braid was invited to advise on the second hole, following which a number of changes were made to the course, although none, it would appear, to the second! Braid’s ledger records that he received a payment of £26 for his services.
During the war part of the course was ploughed up for food production, following which Philip Mackenzie Ross was invited to make good the damage and in 1945 the course was redesigned. Some of the changes were quite significant, with two holes by the sea being scrapped. More recently Donald Steele was engaged to advise on the course architecture, particularly the bunkering. Many of the original cross-bunkers were removed, or to be more precise, relocated!
The course now occupies a modest 106 acres and measures 6,230 yards, but with four of the most celebrated course architects having left their distinguished mark, it is always a joy to play.”
Here’s a link to the course flyover: https://www.longniddrygolfclub.co.uk/the-course-flyover/
The course is not that long, at around 6300 off the back (white tees) and is a par 68 only. The condition of the course was fair - greens were in great shape but some of the bunkers were a bit neglected; it’s not surprising as Clubs like this really got hit hard by covid. The course combines some links with some inland holes, and it’s a pity that the tree line has grown so high that you cannot get many views of the Firth; it would transform the place if they were gone.The front nine is more difficult in my view than the back nine. There are some tough approach shots into tight greens. I could not quite get the distance right on a couple of holes and was punished severely - ok, that does sound like a bit of an excuse for a crappy front 9. To add to my excuses, my swami wasn’t working and my eyesight was not the greatest then either. I did finish the last 4 in level par, so of course am ready for the next round, which happens to be at near-by Craigielaw, tomorrow.
Here’s some pics I took on a rather grey day. Luckily for us, we were back home when the heavens opened. Much needed as the past two months have seen very little rain.
Some more pictures from the Club’s website taken in somewhat brighter weather:
I enjoyed playing at Longniddry even though my scoring was poor. I hope I can play again and score a lot better.
Here’s a link to some general information about and around Longniddry: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/longniddry-p240781
We had lunch at The Longniddry Inn. I thought the food was good, service was great. Good place to go have lunch or dinner. https://www.longniddryinn.com