North Berwick Golf Club is the 13th oldest club in the world and boasts a fantastic links golf course that starts right in the town before stretching west along the coastline above the Firth of Forth. It's proper, old-school Scottish links golf, shaped by wind, turf and years of crafty design, so you'll want to bring your bump-and-run and keep an eye on the forecast.
You're within easy reach of Edinburgh, which makes North Berwick a brilliant choice for a short break or as part of an East Lothian golf tour. It's also got the pedigree to match the scenery, having hosted Final Qualifying for The Open, The Ladies British Open Amateur Championship and The Amateur Championship, so you really are following in the footsteps of top-class players.
The views announce themselves from the 1st, a short par 4 of 342 yards off the white tees, where the green sits beautifully framed by the sea. From there the course keeps pulling you towards the coast, with holes that ask you to pick a line, trust it and accept that links golf doesn't always give you the bounce you planned. The 18th is a brilliant closer at just 277 yards, driveable on the right day, but trouble right makes it a proper risk-and-reward finish. Bag a closing birdie and, needless to say, the 19th hole tastes even better.
Fancy building it into your next trip? Include North Berwick as a headline round on your East Lothian break.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a classic Scottish links day out, an easy run from Edinburgh, with proper history and sea views from the opening holes.
Who is it best for?
Links lovers and East Lothian tour planners who want a genuine bucket-list round with championship pedigree and a risk-and-reward finish.
