The 18th - North Berwick; chosen by Catriona Matthew
Last Updated: 12/07/16 9:17am
The course
The famous West Course at North Berwick is one of the earliest courses laid out on the eastern seaboard of Scotland, and is extremely close to the origins of golf. The tale of North Berwick is a tale of two links. There is the East Links Course and the famous West links Course - the qualifying venue when Muirfield hosted the 2013 Open Championship. Founded in 1832, it's the third oldest course in the world still playing over its original fairways.
The 18th hole at North Berwick, it has a great view of my home town, the picturesque harbour and bass rock..... all in all a very special place.
Catriona Matthew, former Women's British Open winner
The classic links layout along the south shore of the Firth of Forth is enhanced by additional elements of blind shots, great ridges across fairways and even walls that have to be negotiated on more than one occasion in the round. This charming gem is a memorable place, where you will care more for your putter than watching puffins.
The hole
The finish at North Berwick is often likened to St Andrews Old Course with views of the old town and road to the right. The par 4, 18th at North Berwick, aptly named "Home", plays from a slightly elevated tee, offering great views of the old town and North Berwick in the background. This relatively short par 4 measures at 277 yards with the road hugging the right hand side of the fairway. Aim left if you want to play it safely, but do concentrate, as a wayward drive to the right could see you finding one of the many cars that line the road.
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Featured holes
Golf in the Lothian's
The City of Edinburgh has a noble selection of quality courses with amazing views of the cityscape and surrounding hills.
On the outskirts of Edinburgh is Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society (founded in 1761), this is in an enviable location with over 150 acres of mature parkland. The course is characterised by well-placed bunkers, mature trees lining the beautifully manicured fairways and greens full of character and deceptive slopes.
Braid Hills provides commanding views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth.
East Lothian (30 minutes from Edinburgh), is considered one of Scotland's best golfing regions with 22 stunning and historic courses on offer.
The 2013 host of the Open Championship, Muirfield, is just one of many great golf courses on 'Scotland's Golf Coast' and takes pride in not having hidden bunkers, subtle bumps and hollows or blind shots common on many links courses. Nearby, Gullane has three fantastic golf courses to check out. Musselburgh has a long association with the game of golf and Archerfield Links has two outstanding 18-hole courses: the Dirleton Links and the Fidra Links, a unique mixture of pine forest and fast-running links.
Discover some of the fine golf courses of East Lothian with the East Lothian Golf Pass.
West Lothian has a rich golfing heritage and golfers are simply spoilt for choice, including the luxurious Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, where you can play the fantastic East and West courses. Go further west to discover more exciting courses, including Linlithgow Golf Course.
19th hole and beyond
Just 25 miles west of North Berwick is Edinburgh - a city that boasts an old town which can be admired alongside the new. Edinburgh's famous landmarks all lie within the city centre allowing easy access on foot, including; Scott Monument, Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile. Stretch a little further and enjoy the panoramic views of the Shore in Leith, the Pentland Hills or Arthur's Seat near the Meadows.
Edinburgh's eateries suit all palates and budgets from Michelin star restaurants including The Kitchen and Castle Terrace to world famous restaurants within dramatic settings of the old town like "The Witchery". If you'd rather a pint and juicy burger then make your way to the Grass Market to indulge in some Scottish pub grub. Walk down the Royal Mile and enjoy a nip in the Whiski bar or have one for the road in Teuchters or Bert's Bar at the West End. If you still have an appetite, then grab some supper on your way home from one of many chippies around Edinburgh. Whether you fancy some golden crispy cod or just a bag of chips, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to season your meal with Edinburgh's local delicacy - Chippy sauce because you won't find it anywhere else!
