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.
