The North Berwick Golf Club: A True Scottish Gem

The North Berwick Golf Club is currently my favorite course from this Scotland golf trip, which has been filled with top 100 world-ranked courses. Personally, North Berwick might just secure a spot in my top 10 courses ever played—and possibly even my top 5 once I’ve had more time to reflect on it.

This historic course is a quintessential example of Scottish links golf. It feels flawless, yet it boasts so many charming eccentricities that make the journey through its fairways refreshing and fun. Situated on the edge of the Firth of Forth, the course offers stunning views throughout, enhancing the experience of every round.

As a golfer, you’re constantly presented with unique challenges, including an ancient wall that crosses fairways and even famously guards a green. Several holes on this course have been emulated by other great courses, with none more famous than the Redan hole. If you’re a fan of golf architecture and history, like I am, North Berwick is a must-play.

The course offers a fantastic opportunity to shoot a great score, with its generous fairways and fairly wispy rough. However, challenges such as deep bunkers, the sea, the wall, blind shots, humps, bumps, hollows, and burns make every shot meaningful and demand your full attention. While breathtaking views are abundant, the course is fairly exposed, and a windy day—like the one I experienced—can be a considerable challenge.

Similar to how I feel about Royal Portrush, this course is about as perfect as it gets, in my opinion. I highly recommend staying at the Marine Hotel in North Berwick, and if you do, take the walk to the clubhouse as parking is very limited. Rankings: Golf Digest No. 9 International, Golf.com No. 30 - World, Top100golfcourses.com No. 32 World, No. 10 in Great Britain and Ireland.

Note: The golf course does not have a driving range or a short game area, which is fairly common for links courses in this part of the world.

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