XXXX – credit VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
Glen
Dalmahoy (East)
As part of a hotel resort the East is a surprisingly tough parkland
endeavour. At 6,956 yards (middle tees) this par 73 is one of the
longest courses in Scotland. At least the many wide fairways mean
you can let loose with the driver. Originally designed by James
Braid, it received a renovation in 2005, which increased length and
introduced two new holes: the tight, tree-lined 13th and 14th. This
championship course’s many large specimen trees rarely impinge on
your play elsewhere, however, and it even boasts a moorland feel
on the hillier ground. The resort is part of a 1,000 acre estate (the
house/hotel dates back to the 1720s) so it’s an idyllic setting and the
big greens and big bunkering reflect the scale around you.
Glen
Most of the Glen course plays on a high plateau looking over the
Firth of Forth, Bass Rock and Fidra, as well as North Berwick town
below. It is a stirring place to be. The Glen is a seaside course playing
over hilly terrain and it is famous for its 1st hole with a steep climb
to the green. At least you can look at the attractive views while you
catch your breath. Several holes balance on the cliff tops (the 13th,
dropping down to the sea, is likened to Pebble Beach’s 16th) and the
landscape is exposed so the wind will toy with you constantly. It is
not too long and the greens won’t play tricks on you so it provides
an ideal foil to the North Berwick links at the other end of town.
The downhill drive on the 18th (parallel to the 1st) promises an
exhilarating finish.
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Dunbar
Dunbar is the southern-most links on Scotland’s east coast and it
clings ever so tightly to the shoreline, fearing perhaps that it might
be cast adrift… the same is true of the comfortable clubhouse. This
is a traditional out-and-back links and Old Tom Morris squeezed
holes between the sea and an old red sandstone deer park wall.
Indeed, the 6th and 17th share a fairway… and a burn. The wall rises
to over eight feet in places and comes in to play frequently. So too
does the sea which is constantly in view and affects nine holes.
Greens flow out of the land and will test you, but it is the fairways
which prove utterly mischievous, especially at the farthest point.
The four par fours from 11 to 14 are exceptionally tough and good
course management is always essential. The scenery accompanies
you all day.
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-seeking visitor. And yet
this is traditional and natural links golf at its best. Dips, swings and
hollows all await en route to