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Glen
Muirfield
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.
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 rolling terrain and it is famous for its 1st hole with the steep
approach 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.
68
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 a tall red sandstone 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 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 anti-clockwise direction and the
sea border will make golfers with a fade extremely nervous… but
bunkers typically 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.