The North Berwick Golf Club

Designed by mother nature in a way that no architect dead or alive would contemplate, the North Berwick West Links features a drive over the beach, numerous blind shots, shots over a drystone wall, and lovely greens (one a roller coaster with three distinct sections). It is a unique course. We were made to feel most welcome from our arrival, on the 1st tee, throughout the round, and afterwards in the lovely clubhouse (thanks Malcolm, Sam and the bar staff). As you are informed on arrival, “you are a member for the day”. From the excellent opening holes, through two lovely par 3s and a fine 7th with a burn in front of the green, you arrive at the dogleg 9th hole which turns at a right angle with an out of bounds wall on the left. The short 10th hole with its stunning view sets you up for the return and a great run of holes which are hard to top. Highlights are the 13th (Pit) with its famous wall, the 14th (Perfection) with the green hard by the beach, and the 15th (Redan). There is no let up in quality at the 16th with its bizarre green, and at the 17th, with a daunting cross bunker in front of the green, which in my opinion is the toughest hole on the course. The 18th has more than a passing resemblance to the Old Course with the added threat of an insurance claim! Fun, Fun, Fun! Go play it.

Agree with other comments in this post, a truly awesome golf course with some eccentricities that is immense fun to play for those who enjoy links golf. The hospitality was also first class, from the greeting by the steward, staff in the bar, and the starter who all made us feel extrememly welcome. £75 is well worth paying for the overall experience.

Oh again I loved this course, this is about the 5th time i have played and the course has never let me down. The only hole that does nothing for me is 10 but still a testy par 3. A must play course even at the cost and the club should be so proud to have the best starter i have ever met in Mr Sam Fox, a true gent who has been there as long as i have been going.

Fantastic course, perhaps the best I have played. Certainly the best links course I have played. Right from the welcome from the starter Sam Fox to the warm welcome in the clubhouse from the staff and secretary who took it upon himself to introduce himself to our group. The course itself is stunning, brilliantly kept and the greens were a treat to putt on. £75 per round may sound expensive, but it truely is value for money. Holes 8,9 and 10 aren't brilliant, but the rest of the course takes your breath away. I cannot wait to return!

Played this course on a placid day and it is still tough. We had great weather while England was flooding! Do not betoo distracted by the views or the great holes that keep coming at you but maintain your concentration to keep on the fairways and read the tricky but oh so true greens. Bunkers and rough are punishing. Right from the starter through to the club house staff an absolute delight. Clubhouse facilities are being redone, finishing Oct 08,so score a bit down on this.

Played here for the first time since 2000. If this isn't the most fun golf experience in the world, it's clearly in the top three. The course has absolutely everything: incredible views, supreme shot making opportunities, excellent conditions, funny nuances, extremely friendly staff, and an outstanding pro shop. Oh, and it has the most copied par-3 in the world (#15 Redan). I could write a book about how great a place North Berwick is but would run out of paper. If you come to Scotland you HAVE to play here.

I was lucky enough to play on this course on Bank Holiday Monday. We got there quite late (5.00pm) and Sam was very accommodating to tee off just before a competition. I'd heard alot about this course and was not disappointed. The views of the starting holes are fantastic but because there were very strong coastal winds it did interrupt my play at least. Although it was a warm day we were not prepared for the 9 holes back so if you go out take plenty of warm clothing and hats. A fantastic course but the weather did spoil it for me.

I had the pleasure of playing North Berwick on the 23rd May 2008, from th minute we got there we were made to feel welcome from the staff in the shop to Sam the starter who made you feel relaxed and shared a few tips.What can i say about the course what hasn't been said before... nothing i don't think, it's a beautiful,well maintained course and the views are amazing.Even though the wind wasn't blowing a gale it still played a major factor on every hole, even on the greens. We are definatly returning next year as all out party (9) were very impressed.Even though the clubhouse is not yet ready the portacabins are better than alot of the clubhouses i've been in. A must play if your in the area and if you want to stop nearby you won't find a friendlier B&B than across from the course at The Belhaven.

WOW!!! what an unbeleivable golf course! this is now the 3rd time ive played this course and it is still as thrilling now as the 1st time i played it! i have to give top marks to the green keepers as we played on the 17th october and the greens, fairway and bunkers were immaculate! im not going to rant and rave about the course - all im going to say is if your wanting a special days golfing experience, play the west course at north berwick - i guarantee you wont be disappointed! hopefully i will be back shortly!

Myself and two friends have recently returned from playing golf once again in Scotland . Three courses were played - Craigelaw , North Berwick & Gullane No.2. Each course was very different and all in their own way challenging . Its no mistake when I mention it all here as my personal favourite was North Berwick ( although we played this couse in the worst weather over the weekend ) it was still by far my favourite !! It has an old course ( st.andrews ) feel to it , but as previously menionted all without the "hairs n graces" . What was most pleasing about the course was its layout , different length of holes and the superb quality of the greens . There is short & long par fours , varied length of par 3's and all with rough that was fair but challenging , my favourite by the 12th over the wall !!. I would not hesitate in returning back to play as knowing the course now I would certainly play some holes differently ( ie the blind holes ) . Its well worth the money , but with this said Gullane No.2 & Craigelaw are also worth mentioning as these offered very good rounds also . Craigelaw felt more American with difficult tiered undulating greens , Gullane No'2 with its punishing rough !! We had a fab weekend topped off by staying very nearby in the Nether Abbey ( very good hotel ) and an excellent Indian restaurant on the high street "The Tiger" ... best curry we've had . Overall a top ranking , actually better than the St.andrews trip last year by a whisker ... and only spolit by my shoddy play , the weather at North Berwick and the clubhouse not serving food after 6.30 .

Returned (March 2007) for a second bite of the North Berwick cherry. This track is memorable and we all agreed was the most interesting and challenging of the trip. Special mention to the superb starter Sam Fox (not of page 3 fame!) who gave us a very warm and courteous welcome before we teed off, and then another warm welcome on the back of the 18th green. this is simple but effective and other clubs should take a leaf out of NB's book. the welcome makes you feel special and adds to the day. the day itself had a 'wee zephyr' blowing. for wee zephyr read force 8-9 gale. it was VERY difficult but it made it all the more fun. i scored 29 points, and in those conditions- was proud to do so. i have never seen a full loaded powakaddy possessed by the wind before to shoot off down the fairway unaided at full speed -the wind was so strong, nor have i hit a nine iron 190 yards before or a driver 140 yards. the unique in and out layout of the course means 9 against and normally 9 with the wind (unless god forbid the tide changes and its 18 against). cannot say enough about the course- top quality and the run of six holes on the back nine upto 17 are as good as it gets. recommended highly.

What a course! The condition of the course for the start of November is nothing short of fantastic and at £25 during the week & £30 at the weekend it's an absolute bargin. Played it for the first time on Thursday the 2/11/06 on a beautiful sunny day, came off the last, checked the weather for the 3rd, stayed over and played it again on the Friday, it's that good. The first hole is pretty straight forward but the next two are complete monsters 430+ par 4's normally into the wind with the sea catching any kind of slice at all. Every hole has it's own unique features and if you take your eye off it for one second you can easily run up bogey,double or even triple bogeys if you end up in one the many bunkers that awaits the stray shot. From 13 onwards your looking at probably the best closing holes your likely to find anywhere with 13, 15 and 16 the pick of the bunch. Getting your second shot to stop on the 16th green is near impossible and with a 5ft dip in the middle of the green you'll think yourselves lucky if you walk off with a par. The final hole reminds you of the last at St.Andrews but make sure you've got your insurance with you before hitting your tee shot. You'll see what I mean. Last but not least is Sam the starter, couldn't meet a nicer bloke who greets you like you've played there all your life, top man.

Great day. Played the North Berwick West links in ideal weather. Very friendly atmosphere, juniors are welcome (my son had his biggest golf challenge ever and enjoyed every second, just like daddy). Some unique holes are 13 ("walled garden" green, really a thrill to par that one), 14 (most difficult tee cum approach of the entire course), 16 is the mother of all elevated greens and devishly difficult to approach with your second shot (if you cleared the burn waiting for you on 220yds from the tee...). Amateur tip: if you play in Summer, tee off on hole 1 with 7 iron, hit low and you'll have the best approach to the green you can imagine: the fairway is so fair and firm that your tee shot rolls all the way..

This course was the most FUN course i have ever played. Fantastic scenery and challenging holes, we were lucky with the wind but you can imagine the difficulty if its really blowing. Definately should be on any golfers east lothian play list, as good a links challenge as it gets. Some holes you just think "what do i do here?!". Memorable indeed.

Played the course twice 16/9/05 and 17/9/05 and was impressed by the condition of such a well played course. The greens were superb and well struck putts were rewarded. The pace of play was terrible on the first day being stuck behind a party of novice German golfers, 5 hours for the round took the edge of great course. Next day and we sailed round in well under 4 hours. Warm welcolm and such friendly staff from the clubhouse to the on course marshall. A must play course for any golfer.. the last few holes certainly get your attention!

What a course! Played on 29/8/05 in what was a slight breeze according to the starter.(20mph)The course is an absolute gem,with greens that you would love to take home and keep. The staff and marshalls were so attentive and treated you as though you was royalty.Playing the front nine into the wind was a challenge.(465 yard par 4 took 3 shots with woods just to get 40 yards short of the green!)If you do play this course, take a look at the 16th green (unbelievable!) as I've said, what a course!! I'll definitely come back for more.

This is an excellent course with a wide variety of holes all of which are in superb conditions. The greens were a pleasure to put on despite hving some very subtle and tricky undulations. The pace of play was also great. We played as a three ball and let a pair through on the 9th. Despite this we were still round, without rushing at all, in 3 and a half hours. Quicker than that would have been a struggle as it would not have left time to enjoy the magnificent views. The quality of the course was matched by the welcome. Neither myself or my 2 playing partners have ever experienced such a warm and enthusiastic greeting when visiting a club. To be told by the starter and the clubhouse steward that they really appreciate you visiting and playing their course makes you feel valued rather than tollerated (as at other clubs I could mention). To be told by each seperately that they hoped we would return to play it again was a loely parting comment. If you want a good golf course with a variety of challenges , a friendly welcome, spectacular views and to play on a course that is beautifully presented pay North Berwick a visit.

One of the courses I regularly play (by Seth Raynor) has a Redan green. I just had to visit North Berwick to play "the real thing" ... my par putt came-up 2 feet short but the mission was accomplished. I was not prepared for how spectacular and beautiful the course was ... truly a gem! I had read that North Berwick was a bit quirky, but was not prepared for some of the blind shots, not only from the tee but into greens that were completely out of view. What an enjoyable adventure!

Played on a day when the breeze was with you for the outward nine and against for the inward half. What a welcome at the starters box -the guy could not have been more welcoming! And what about the position of the pro shop almost buried into the fairway beside the first tee -surreal! After three interesting opening holes which hug the coast, the remainder of the front nine holes were comparatively bland. The course really excites when returning to home, first with three holes running behind the high dunes and then a great finishing stretch of six holes from the 13th, Pit (with a low stone wall adjacent to the green) to Home (remarkably like St.Andrew's Old 18th - but with a great elevated tee). There were a number of blind shots to play during the round but not as many as had been feared beforehand - really, this is links golf to be savoured though the greens (like Murcar, incidentally) are not traditional slick links putting surfaces -they have a bit more 'hair', making them slower than other links courses I've played. Black marks for the clubhouse having nothing to eat in the dining room ('no staff on') or the bar ('chef gone home') at 6.00pm!!! This somewhat spoiled a marvellous afternoon's golf. James McCann. Glasgow.

Wow! what a course I played on 09 November in good weather. From the moment I arrived I knew I was in for a treat. Every hole is memorable in its own way I can not think of one fault with the course absolutely superb. Managed to get a few pars, especially on the much talked about par 3 Redan and the par 4 Gate (which has a split level green). A must visit even at the cost of £45 for midweek, I may take my group there next year to finish our golf hol off, the best course I have played ever. Go play it, you are missing a treat.

Wow! Simply the most beatiful and interesting course I have ever played. Every hole has its challenges and merits and there is not a weak hole on it. It isnt brutal or intimadating like say Carnoustie, but if Carnoustie is the beast then North Berwick just has to be the beauty. The course was in fine condition, the greens immaculate and extremely large. Luckily enough we played on a fine sunny day with only a mild see breeze. The views of the bay are amazing and the 18th just puts the icing on the cake with a drivable par 4 looking remarkably like the old at St Andrews 18th(not sure which was there 1st). Play here, I cannot believe this course will disappoint anyone. Its how links golf should be. Its simply fantastic.

One of my favourite courses of all time. While we waited on the 10th tee we climbed up and had a look around at the most fantastic scenery. My partner said "It doesn't get much better than this" and then he put his tee shot to a foot! Inspired or what. Standing on the 18th tee was truly magical and something I'll never forget. The Pit (13) and Redan (15) were as good as I'd been told but several other holes were superb. I thought the 2nd, 3rd and 4th were excellent. If you do get a chance to play there take it - You won't regret it. The staff were all really friendly and helpful and helped to make this one of the best 18 holes of my life.

We visited East Lothian for several times to play the whole variety of golf courses there. The greatest course is North Berwick. Absolutely marvellous, spectacular, unique. In January and February it was an adventure with the heavy winds, golf pure. I hope we can return some day.

North Berwich West was our last stop in Scotland. We were sitting around brooding about not getting to play Murfield when we decided to try to get on the West course. What a stroke of luch this was. We played St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Balcomie Links, and Gullane 1. North Berwick was more fun than any of the rest. The course was in great shape. The wind was howling. The flag on the first hole was almost bent double. I thought the approach shot I hit was pretty good, only to see it land 20 yards short of the green. The views on this golf course are just specticular. The stone wall running through the course and the "gong" hole are some of my most vivid memories. I agree with one of the other contributors that 18 does definately remind you of 18 at the Old Course. As we walked out back down the 18th fairway towards our car, the bright sun practically blinding us, I commented to my partner, "it just doesn't get any better than this." I think that I have probably overused this phrase to describe my experiences in Scotland, however, it is the absolute truth. This is a must play course if you are in the area. Heck, it's worth playing if you have to drive a couple of hours to get there.

Played this course on 10/4/00. It was great fun. The holes are all unique. I only wish I could have played it a second time. The views of the ocean and Bass Rock are outstanding. Great clubhouse and staff. They could have not been more gracious. We had lunch after our round and it was very good. This course get an A+ from our group. We would love to return someday.