North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)

Edinburgh and East Lothian represent perhaps Scotland's most compelling golf destination - a region where serious golfers can play a top-tier golf course every day for two weeks without encountering a disappointing round. The area's famous microclimate delivers significantly less rainfall than surrounding regions, creating ideal playing conditions year-round. What sets this corner of Scotland apart isn't just the quality of individual courses, but the remarkable concentration of world-class links golf within such a compact, accessible area. East Lothian Golf: Why It Should Be on Your List East Lothian's reputation among golf experts stems from several unique advantages that distinguish it from other Scottish golf regions. The coastal microclimate provides notably drier conditions than neighbouring areas, with rainfall approximately one-third that of nearby regions. The region also offers unparalleled variety within short distances. Golfers can experience serious championship links in the morning, then enjoy quirky, traditional afternoon rounds at historic venues. East Lothian's accessibility from Edinburgh Airport (approximately one hour's drive) makes it practical for international visitors, whilst the concentration of quality courses means minimal travel time between rounds. Beyond the golf itself, visitors discover authentic Scottish links culture. Many courses retain traditional elements like foursomes play, proper caddie programmes, and clubhouse traditions dating back centuries. The area seamlessly blends golf's heritage with modern amenities, offering everything from budget-friendly municipal courses to exclusive championship venues. Top Tier Golf in East Lothian Muirfield stands as Scotland's premier championship venue and arguably the world's finest test of links golf. The famous two-concentric-circles routing ensures golfers face different wind directions on every hole, creating strategic complexity unmatched elsewhere. Despite the premium pricing, most visitors consider the experience of 36 holes worth every penny. North Berwick Golf Club ranks as the region's number two course, renowned for its quirky character and stunning clifftop holes. The routing typically plays nine holes into the prevailing wind before turning back, creating a traditional "out and back" links experience. Gullane Golf Club provides championship golf with three distinct courses numbered One, Two, and Three. Gullane No. 1 hosts major qualifying events and offers a stern test of links golf. The routing takes advantage of natural dune formations, creating dramatic elevation changes unusual for Scottish links. The Renaissance Club represents modern links design at its finest, rapidly establishing itself among Scotland's elite venues since opening. The Tom Doak-designed course demands strategic thinking and precise execution. Dunbar Golf Club offers excellent value for championship-quality links. The course delivers a proper test without the premium pricing of more famous neighbours, making it ideal for budget-conscious golfers seeking authentic links golf. East Lothian's Best Kept Golf Secrets Luffness New Golf Club deserves recognition as the region's finest "second course" option. This former Open qualifying venue offers pay-and-play access with much of the play following the traditional foursomes format. The course provides genuine championship-level golf without the booking difficulties of more famous neighbours, making it perfect for afternoon rounds or spontaneous golf. Gullane Golf Club No. 3 represents outstanding value within the championship venue category. Often overlooked in favour of the famous No. 1 course, Gullane No. 3 delivers a great set of greens and stunning views. The Glen Golf Club in North Berwick provides one of Scotland's hidden gems. Musselburgh Old Course holds special significance as one of golf's original venues, hosting the Open Championship six times in the 19th century. The nine-hole course allows visitors to experience golf history firsthand, particularly when played with traditional hickory clubs. It an essential for golf historians and those who wish to see and play the cradle of the game. Sample Itinerary: 5-Day East Lothian Golf Adventure Day One: Arrive Edinburgh Airport, collect rental car, drive to Gullane (one hour). Afternoon round at Gullane No. 3 to ease into links golf, followed by dinner at The Bonnie Badger gastropub in Gullane village. Day Two: Morning championship round at North Berwick Golf Club, experiencing the famous Redan hole and clifftop routing. Afternoon exploring North Berwick village and perhaps a casual round at The Glen for sunset golf with coastal views. Day Three: Full day at Muirfield with mandatory caddie experience. The morning round deserves proper time for appreciation, followed by a traditional clubhouse lunch. If you can still stand, 18 holes in the afternoon. Day Four: Morning round at The Renaissance Club with shared caddie. Afternoon visit to Musselburgh Old Course for a unique experience, possibly with hickory clubs for an authentic period experience. Day Five: Final round at Dunbar Golf Club for excellent value championship golf, followed by departure via Edinburgh Airport. Allow extra time for potential traffic delays on the Edinburgh bypass during peak hours. Edinburgh & East Lothian Travel Logistics Transportation: Rental cars provide the greatest flexibility for course-hopping, though pre-booked golf transport services operate extensively throughout East Lothian. Companies based in Gullane and North Berwick offer minibus services for groups, often proving cost-effective for week-long golf trips. Edinburgh Airport sits approximately one hour from core East Lothian courses, with the journey requiring careful timing during rush hours when the Edinburgh bypass can add 30 minutes to travel time. Weather & Packing: East Lothian's microclimate creates more favourable conditions than the surrounding areas, but Scottish weather remains unpredictable. Pack waterproofs and wind protection regardless of the season. The region experiences wonderful weather in May and September, often rivalling traditional summer months. Equipment: Most championship courses offer caddie programmes, making local knowledge available for strategic advice and green reading. Muirfield strongly recommends caddies as part of the complete experience, whilst The Renaissance Club requires shared caddies for unaccompanied visitors. Communication: English throughout, with local Scottish accents adding character rather than creating communication barriers. Documentation: Overseas visitors should carry handicap certificates, though requirements vary by course. Private clubs typically require formal introductions, whilst many courses accept walk-up play during quieter periods. Practical Details: Dress codes remain relatively relaxed except at exclusive venues. Luffness New insists on long socks with shorts, whilst Muirfield prefers traditional attire in clubhouse areas. Most courses accept modern golf attire without strict requirements, though jackets and ties may be required for dining rooms at prestigious clubs. Where to Stay for East Lothian Golf Premium Golf Resorts: Greywalls Hotel overlooks Muirfield and provides the ultimate luxury golf experience. The Renaissance Club offers on-site accommodation for members and their guests, providing convenient access to one of Scotland's finest modern courses. Village Hotels: The Bonnie Badger in Gullane delivers gastropub accommodation with excellent food and a central location for East Lothian courses. The New Mallard (formerly just "Mallard") in Gullane and The Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick provide comfortable mid-range options. Traditional Pubs with Rooms: Old Aberlady Inn in Aberlady and The Castle Inn in Dirleton offer authentic Scottish pub accommodation at more reasonable pricing. These venues provide character and local atmosphere, though facilities remain more basic than upgraded hotels. Edinburgh City Base: Many golfers choose Edinburgh accommodation, particularly for trips combining golf with cultural activities. Hotels near John Lewis on the east side of the city centre provide convenient access to East Lothian whilst maintaining walking distance to Edinburgh attractions. The train from Waverley Station reaches North Berwick in approximately 20 minutes, making city-based accommodation surprisingly practical. Local B&Bs and Airbnbs: The region offers extensive private accommodation options throughout East Lothian villages. These often provide better value than upgraded hotels whilst offering local hosts with insider knowledge of courses and booking strategies. Strategic location planning proves crucial, with Gullane providing central access to most premium courses, whilst North Berwick offers village atmosphere and excellent transport connections back to Edinburgh. East Lothian's Culinary Scene Fine Dining: The Bonnie Badger in Gullane provides gastropub excellence with locally sourced ingredients and extensive whisky selection. The restaurant has earned recognition for both food quality and golf-friendly atmosphere. Local Specialities: Traditional Scottish fare appears throughout the region, with particular emphasis on fresh seafood from nearby coastal waters. Fish and chips remain exceptional at local establishments, whilst the traditional Scottish breakfast provides perfect preparation for morning rounds. Clubhouse Dining: Many championship courses offer excellent dining facilities, with Muirfield's lunch service forming part of the premium experience. The Renaissance Club provides modern clubhouse dining with views over the links, whilst traditional venues like North Berwick maintain classic clubhouse atmosphere with hearty Scottish fare. Budget Options: Village pubs typically serve traditional fare in authentic settings, often becoming social centres for visiting golfers. Post-Round Drinks: Golf clubs throughout the region maintain traditional 19th hole culture, with many encouraging social interaction between members and visitors. Local pubs welcome golf groups, particularly during quieter weekday periods when conversation flows easily between locals and tourists. The region's culinary scene balances traditional Scottish hospitality with modern gastropub evolution, ensuring excellent dining regardless of budget or formality preferences. Booking Golf in East Lothian Championship Venues: Muirfield requires booking two to three years in advance. The Renaissance Club accepts bookings 12 months ahead, though peak season dates disappear quickly. North Berwick and Gullane typically require several months' booking during summer peak season. Flexible Options: Luffness New accepts pay-and-play booking, making it ideal for spontaneous rounds or backup options when other courses prove unavailable. Many courses offer better availability during May and September, when the weather often proves superior to peak summer months. Local Booking Services: Professional golf tour companies based in the region understand course availability and can secure tee times through established relationships. Seasonal Strategy: June through August represents peak season with the highest pricing and largest crowds. May and September offer excellent weather with better availability and potentially lower green fees. Winter golf remains possible year-round, though daylight hours and weather create obvious limitations. Package Deals: Some accommodations offer golf packages, including guaranteed tee times at partner courses. These arrangements often provide better access to premium venues whilst simplifying logistics for international visitors. Edinburgh's Golf Courses Edinburgh city proper offers five courses worthy of serious consideration, providing convenient options for airport proximity or cultural city break combinations. Royal Burgess Golfing Society claims the world's oldest golf constitution, having originated at the famous Bruntsfield Links before moving to its current location. Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society shares a similar heritage with Royal Burgess, both clubs having originated at the historic Bruntsfield Links. Mortonhall Golf Club provides championship-standard golf within Edinburgh boundaries, with routing taking advantage of the Braid Hills terrain. Duddingston Golf Club earns recognition as potentially Edinburgh's finest course. The mature parkland routing offers excellent conditioning year-round. Braid Hills Golf Course represents Edinburgh's hidden gem as a municipal course delivering surprising quality at approximately £30 (€35/$40). Local experts often rate it among the city's best pure golf experiences, despite public ownership and modest pricing. Activities Beyond Golf Edinburgh Cultural Attractions: The city provides world-class museums, historic Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile heritage, and festival culture throughout the summer months. The combination of golf and culture creates a compelling destination. Golf Heritage Sites: Bruntsfield Links provides free access to golf's original home, with nearby Golf Tavern representing the sport's first clubhouse. Leith Links features historical markers commemorating early golf development, whilst Musselburgh's Old Course offers playable golf history. Natural Beauty: East Lothian's coastline extends beyond golf courses, with excellent walking paths, bird watching opportunities, and dramatic cliff scenery. Bass Rock provides spectacular seabird colonies visible from several golf courses, whilst local beaches offer peaceful relaxation between rounds. Local History: Dirleton Castle, Tantallon Castle, and numerous historic sites provide cultural depth for non-golfing partners. Many locations connect directly to Scottish history whilst maintaining convenient proximity to golf venues. Family Activities: Edinburgh Zoo, Dynamic Earth science centre, and various family attractions ensure suitable activities for travelling groups with diverse interests. The region balances serious golf with broad appeal for accompanying family members. Insider Local Knowledge Common Visitor Mistakes: Booking only famous courses whilst missing exceptional value venues like The Glen or Luffness New. Local Advantages: May and September provide superior weather to peak summer months, whilst offering better course availability and potentially lower pricing. Cultural Expectations: Traditional Scottish golf culture includes foursomes (alternate shot) play at many venues. Understanding pace of play expectations (play quickly!) prevents misunderstandings, whilst embracing caddie programmes enhances the authentic experience significantly. Strategic Planning: Staying in Edinburgh provides cultural depth whilst maintaining practical golf access via train connections. Combining premier courses with hidden gems creates incredible value. Budget Planning & Travel Value Value Opportunities: May and September shoulder seasons offer better weather than peak summer with reduced pricing. Money-Saving Strategies: Combining premium courses with excellent value venues like The Glen or Luffness New maintains high quality whilst controlling costs. Edinburgh accommodation with train access can prove more economical than East Lothian hotels whilst adding cultural value.

What is a Redan? A Redan is golf's most celebrated template hole—a diagonal par-3 featuring a green angled approximately 45 degrees from right to left with bold slope running toward the back. Named after a Russian fortification encountered during the Crimean War's Siege of Sevastopol, the Redan rewards strategic thinking over brute force. Players who use the green's natural contours, rather than attacking the flag directly, find the most success. First created at North Berwick Golf Club's 15th hole in Scotland, the Redan template has been replicated by legendary architects C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor throughout America's Golden Age of golf course architecture. Modern designers continue to build Redans today, proving this 19th-century concept remains as relevant as ever. Quick Reference: Redan Characteristics Origin: North Berwick Golf Club, Hole 15 (1895) Typical Length: 180-230 yards Green Angle: ~45° right-to-left orientation Key Feature: The diagonal approach favours the right side Front Bunker: Deep hazard guarding the direct route Slope: Front portion tilts boldly left Back Shoulder: High right side feeds balls toward pins Named After: Redan fortification at Siege of Sevastopol Popularised By: C.B. Macdonald (early 1900s) The Original: North Berwick's 15th Hole North Berwick Golf Club has several holes that we now call "templates", and it may be responsible for the greatest of them all. C.B. Macdonald—the architect most commonly associated with the template holes concept—referred to the Redan as "the finest one-shot hole in the world." The original Redan (No.15 at the club's West Links in East Lothian) measures 190 yards to a green that turns right-to-left at an angle near 45 degrees when viewed from the tee box. Even more relevant than the degree of turn is the degree of slope, as the front portion of the green slopes boldly toward the left. The back of the green banks generously, however, to escort well-struck shots from the right side of the green to pins on the left. The first of six key pot bunkers sits at the front-left corner of the green, to temper aggressive lines back toward the middle, but too conservative can also lead to trouble; three deep pot bunkers line the right of the green. The only safe miss is long and left, allowing the player to pitch back and putt uphill for a potential par save. Two more bunkers sit at the fore of the green's apron, built into the side of the hill. Although beneficial to the player as reference markers—the ridge that hosts the green rises to the same altitude, possibly impairing the player's view—they can also provide visual intimidation for less confident golfers. Although the yardage might seem quaint for the modern low handicapper, it was a rather lengthy shot back in the day. The combination of slope, relative lack of width, and the inner bunker intends to encourage a shallower draw than the lofty, more direct "dart" preferred by today's pros. The Redan Name Origin The template's name was apparently coined by a serving officer in the Crimean War who likened the hole to the redan fortress he'd encountered at the Siege of Sevastopol. The term refers to triangular outposts that jut out from walls to disrupt attacks. The war veteran returned to North Berwick and found the hole's green uncomfortably similar—both requiring strategic positioning rather than confrontation. Macdonald's Definition of a Redan C.B. Macdonald presented his definition of a Redan in his book Scotland's Gift: Golf: "Take a narrow tableland, tilt it a little from right to left, dig a deep bunker on the front side, approach it diagonally, and you have a Redan." This elegant definition suits two of his most famous renditions, both featured on Long Island and both considered among America's greatest golf courses. Famous Redan Interpretations National Golf Links of America - Hole 4 As is often the case, National Golf Links of America's take (No. 4) has become a showcase for the Redan template. Macdonald ramped up the original's features to do so, expanding the hazard from North Berwick's singular pot bunker to a trench that runs the length of the green. He also created a steeper run from the right of the green down to the left, which can funnel wayward balls back into the front hazard. "This fourth hole at the 'National' is so good a hole that I am not sure that it is not better than the original," wrote Bernard Darwin in The Golf Courses of Great Britain. Piping Rock Club - Redan Perhaps not satisfied with the degree of difficulty at NGLA, Macdonald tweaked the design at the Piping Rock Club further. That iteration is an additional 10 yards in length, and the fronting bunker is both wider and longer, stretching significantly past the end of the green, perhaps to dissuade those aiming for the back-left. The traditional pot bunkers at the back are combined to form a singular trench, mirroring the defence at the front. Swinley Forest - Hole 4 Another Golden Age classic (No. 4 at Swinley Forest) has been credited as one of Harry Colt's finest par-3 designs. The shape and distance (200 yards) obviously fit within the definition of a Redan, and the green also sits upon what Macdonald would call "tableland." The most noticeable difference is the overall gain in elevation, requiring one or two additional clubs. Two bunkers sit at the inner-left, and two rest to the right of the apron. Swinley Forest also merits mention for opening in 1909, the same year that NGLA debuted. Clearly, C.B. Macdonald wasn't the only Golden Age architect in awe of Scotland's great holes. It's likely that Colt and his contemporaries independently created classic examples of template holes before the term was coined. Riviera Country Club - Hole 4 Perhaps the most famous Redan, thanks to its annual PGA Tour appearances, is Riviera Country Club's No. 4 (designed by George Thomas). The hole is well beyond the traditional Redan distance, playing nearly 240 yards compared to the average (180-210 yards). That allows it, however, to play more toward North Berwick's original intent—requiring a long iron or hybrid rather than a mid-iron. Ben Hogan referred to Riviera's 4th as "the greatest Par 3 in the world." 21st Century Redans As perhaps the most revered template, the Redan has newfound popularity in the current era of golf course design. Contemporary architects have embraced the strategic principles while adapting them to modern sites and playing conditions. Pacific Dunes - Hole 17 Tom Doak labelled his effort at Bandon Dunes' Pacific Dunes (No. 17) as the favourite Redan he's built—a big claim from a man who, with Jim Urbina, crafted a Macdonald-inspired 18 at the very same resort with its own Redan (No.12 at Old Macdonald). Playing a traditional distance, the hole at Pacific Dunes embraces the resort's naturalist aesthetic in its front bunker. Although the back hazard is considerably wide of the green, players may become distracted by the backing wall of yellow gorse when in bloom. Sand Valley - Hole 3 Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw brought the Redan to their own Mike Keiser project. Sand Valley features a lengthy (225 yards) par-3 where the right hump is not actually on the green, but the skirt. Played properly, it will kick onto the green in true Redan fashion. Improperly, and the player will be pitching downhill from the right. Redan Greens on Par 4s and Par 5s It is entirely possible for a par-4 or par-5 to have a Redan green. Several courses, such as Seth Raynor's Blue Mound Golf & Country Club, feature both a par-3 and par-4 rendition. This demonstrates how the Redan concept can be applied to approach shots of varying lengths. Too much of a good thing? Not for Raynor. Learn more about other template holes, including the Biarritz, Alps, Eden, and Short in our comprehensive series. How to Play a Redan Hole Strategic Approach Aim for the high back-right shoulder of the green, allowing the natural slope to feed your ball left and down toward the pin. This is the strategic route that Macdonald intended. Redan Variations Traditional Redans (180-200 yards) Long Redans (220+ yards) Elevated Redans Reverse Redans Firm conditions: Consider running approach from the right Long and left is the only safe miss on a Redan. This position allows an uphill pitch with a makeable par putt. Are They True Redans? Shinnecock Hills - Hole 7 Fans of Golden Age architecture are the staunchest proponents of the Redan... but even they might be willing to admit No. 7 at Shinnecock Hills may not qualify. Indeed, the idea is there but many—including a host of U.S. Open competitors—have reason to argue otherwise. To quote Tom Doak: "I don't think the slope in front of the green allows you to play the bank shot from the right with any high percentage of probability...if you aim for that spot and the ball takes one big bounce, you're over the back right and looking at double bogey." Perhaps by moving the position of the teeboxes, Shinnecock's 7th would provide a more realistic angle of approach, and fully justify the Redan moniker? TPC Sawgrass - Hole 13 Claims that No. 13 at TPC Sawgrass is a modern Redan also require significant consideration. The issue is not so much the water that runs along the left-hand side (a typical Pete Dye diversion), and certainly not the hole's expected right-to-left play. Rather, it's whether the best approach is actually to play it like a Redan. The portion of the green at the front left is unnaturally flat and large enough to hold a well-struck dart. Attempting to arrive at these flags by riding the slope may actually prove more difficult. On the flip side of the coin, the ridge that divides the green flags at the back left receives an occasional ace during The Players Championship when the pros take a Redan route. The difference is the spine, and on which side the flag stands that day. Can it be a Redan one day, and a non-Redan the next? Frequently Asked Questions About Redans What is a Redan hole in golf? A Redan is a par-3 hole with a diagonal green angled approximately 45 degrees, sloping right-to-left. The design encourages golfers to use the green's contours rather than attack directly, rewarding strategic play over the bunker-guarded front approach. Where is the original Redan hole? The original Redan is the 15th hole at North Berwick Golf Club's West Links in East Lothian, Scotland, designed by Ben Sayers around 1895. What makes a true Redan hole? According to C.B. Macdonald: "Take a narrow tableland, tilt it a little from right to left, dig a deep bunker on the front side, approach it diagonally, and you have a Redan." Key features include diagonal orientation, bold tilt and green slopes, strategic bunkering, and a high back-right shoulder. Why is it called a Redan? A Crimean War officer likened the hole to a redan fortress at the Siege of Sevastopol. Redans are triangular fortifications offering flanking defence—similar to how the hole's angle defends against direct assault. What is a Reverse Redan? A Reverse Redan mirrors the traditional design, sloping left-to-right instead of right-to-left. The same strategic principles apply, but in reverse orientation. Who built the most famous Redan holes? C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor built numerous Redans across America during the Golden Age. Macdonald's version at National Golf Links of America is considered by many to be superior to the original. How do you play a Redan hole successfully? Aim for the high back-right shoulder and let the slope feed your ball left toward the pin. Avoid the front-left bunker, and remember that long and left is the only safe miss.

This week we welcome Kyle Cruickshank to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Kyle's a fascinating individual who's worked all over the world from Royal Melbourne to Muirfield, and is now the course manager at the fantastic North Berwick. We discuss his career journey so far, the current renovations taking place at North Berwick, and his Top 5 Favourite Courses. Previous Episode - Don't Miss Out! In the previous episode of The Clubhouse, our CEO (Simon Holt) is in New Zealand for a golf trip. He checks in with Jim Rohrstaff, the managing director at Te Arai links, to chat about the incredible visitor experience, their favourite holes and much more. What Are The Top 100 Clubhouse Podcasts About? Top 100 Clubhouse is the ultimate podcast for golf enthusiasts! Join us as we delve deep into the minds of fascinating individuals from every corner of the golfing world. From players to course designers, caddies to golf historians, we'll leave no stone unturned in our quest to share unique insights and experiences with the Top100 Community. Together we'll explore the stunning courses and breathtaking landscapes, enjoying the unforgettable stories that bring the game of golf to life. How Do I Listen To The Latest Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast? You can download and listen on the following links. Listen now, wherever you download your podcast! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcast  Podtail We Need Your Feedback? The Next Podcast Interview? Top 100 members can share their views on who should join the next Top 100 Clubhouse podcast show? If you have an idea who you would like to hear, why not drop our Top 100 Clubhouse host James Henderson an email on james@top100golfcourses.com Happy Listening!