44
9.32

North Berwick (West Links)

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Public
EST.
1832
GRASS
Fescue
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Not Allowed
avg. Price
$
265
?
CADDIES
Available
Unknown
Type
Links
Unknown
Par
71
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
9.5
City
North Berwick

Score

9.32
Design
40%
9.7
Conditions
25%
8.7
Desirability
15%
9.2
Scenery
10%
9.3
Fun
5%
9.3
Uniqueness
5%
9.7

Difficulty

Overall
Moderate

Slope 129

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 9.5

7
15

Walkability Easy

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind High

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
210
$
265
$
320
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

The 15th hole, 'Redan', is the most copied par 3 template in golf course architecture, with versions appearing at dozens of notable courses globally.

About

North Berwick Golf Club (West Links) is a world-renowned true links course set on the Firth of Forth, famed for its playability, fun design, and historic character. Established in 1832, it’s evolved through influence from Ben Sayers and features iconic holes with natural undulations, deep revetted bunkers, and classic quirky architecture emblematic of traditional Scottish links.

Caddie Tip

Wind can shift rapidly on this exposed stretch of coast. Use local aiming points off the Firth for tee shots, never miss left on 'Redan', and respect the stone walls in play. On approach shots, err short of targets rather than risking tough recoveries long or wide, especially into prevailing breezes.

The Main Challenge

Wind is the constant test at North Berwick, especially on holes that parallel the Firth. The stone walls that cross a few holes, narrow wind-exposed greens, and well-placed bunkers demand accuracy and bold shot-making. The finishing holes along the shoreline can be intimidating when the breeze freshens from the sea.

The Good

Golfers love the extraordinary architectural variety and strategic fun of holes like 'Redan' and the unforgettable closing stretch along the beach, plus the playful, natural undulations and proximity to the sea. The spectacular views of Craigleith Island and Bass Rock amplify the joy and memorability of every round.

The Not So Good

Some players note that the course conditioning can be variable after heavy rains or early in the season, and the fairways occasionally show wear due to heavy year-round play. Weekday congestion near the beach in high summer can affect the first few holes' pace and tranquility.

Signature Hole:

#

15

The 15th hole, 'Redan', is a par 3 globally celebrated for its unique, sloping green angled sharply from right to left and guarded by deep bunkers. Playing into the prevailing wind with a semi-blind tee shot, the challenge is heightened by the need for a long, running trajectory to hold the tilted green—a template that has inspired countless imitations worldwide.

Clubhouse

No items found.

Historic clubhouse with bar, full-service dining, changing rooms, golf shop, and seaside terrace. The atmosphere is traditional and welcoming, preserving the club’s distinguished heritage with comfortable modern touches.

Practice Facilities

No items found.

Modest practice ground, short game area, and putting green available. Warmup nets and chipping facilities offer basic preparation but space is relatively limited compared to major destination resorts.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Scotland