Destination Golf Scotland 2022 | Page 72

“ Holes constantly deliver an electric jolt of the unexpected as you head out and back in a classic links layout .”
DESTINATION GOLF 2022 SCOTLAND 2022
Kilspindie

North Berwick

On such a famous links it is easy to focus on North Berwick being the third oldest club in the world … but what sets it even more apart is the enthralling , often quirky and always brilliant course you will be playing . Holes constantly deliver an electric jolt of the unexpected as you head out and back in a classic links layout . The course offers wonderful views over the Firth of Forth , but its openness means any wind will influence your strategy and , with the natural and bold shapes , all of your skills will be tested . The famous 13th hole , with its green protected by a wall , makes North Berwick bucket list stuff … but so do several others , including the 16th with its Biarritz green and the par-3 15th , named Redan … a word recognisable around the golfing world to describe the specific green shape .

Kilspindie

The hidden gems of Scotland are plentiful and Kilspindie is one of the brightest . It remains ‘ hidden ’ because at 5,500 yards ( par 69 ) it is unlikely to draw the bucket-list , big-name hunting golfers . And yet this is traditional and natural links golf at its best . Dips , swings and hollows all await en route to slick greens , but wind will be your main opponent . Set on Aberlady Bay the wind will taunt you all day long , even requiring you to hit out to sea as you go in search of fairways and greens . The course runs in an anticlockwise direction and your early encounters with the coastline will make golfers with a fade extremely nervous . And yet bunkers often populate the opposite side of the fairway . It all makes for a course that requires strategy and common sense . Six par fours are under 300 yards but never assume Kilspindie is easy . A joy , yes : easy , no .

Muirfield

“ Holes constantly deliver an electric jolt of the unexpected as you head out and back in a classic links layout .”
Host to 16 Open Championships and revered as one of the greatest links designs , it is little wonder that Muirfield is seen as such a desirable golfing destination . Old Tom Morris , Harry Colt and Tom Simpson all contributed to a masterpiece that works in two concentric rings . The front nine forms the outer ring and contains Jack Nicklaus ’ s favourite par four ( the 8th ) in the world . The dunes here are not dramatic but the intricate design has produced astounding bunkering , a varied mix of holes and a routing that ensures the wind attacks you from every angle . Muirfield is revered for the quality of its greens and well known for the requirements placed on visitors … be sure to read up on the dress code and etiquette prior to arrival .
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