North Berwick Golf Club West Links Key Information
A pure joy to play. It’s largely a traditional out and back links with the sea in play on six holes. It’s quirky with walls running through fairways, raised greens, sunken greens, barmy greens like the two-part 16th and just brilliant greens like that on the much-copied 15th “Redan. But it’s not overly quirky and the varied holes deliver a complete test of your game.
REASONS TO PLAY NORTH BERWICK GOLF CLUB WEST LINKS
– Hugely characterful and much copied links course
– Beautiful setting playing out and back into town with views of the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock
– One of Scotland's most natural feeling links courses
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 28
One of the most individual courses in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I, the West Links at North Berwick, on the golf-rich East Lothian coast, is living proof that the design philosophies of a bygone era can still be very much part of the modern game.
Indeed, I would argue that the challenges of some of the quirkier elements of this wonderful old links are exactly what the game is missing in certain quarters.
The club was founded in 1832, but golf has been played here on the Firth of Forth from the 17th century.
Beginning and ending in the town centre, the West Links feels as though it’s a part of North Berwick. It’s a similar symbiosis to that at St Andrews and, as with the “Old Grey Toon,” North Berwick has a great sense of history and is undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in East Lothian.
The course delivers characterful and incredibly natural links golf. Bunkers, burns, humps, hollows and even dry stone dykes must be negotiated as one makes their way around this very special course.
It's a course that lends itself to fun. You find yourself creating shots and facing some very difficult putts and chips. North Berwick doesn’t try and beat you up, for example, the bunkers are all shallow enough to advance out of. It relies on the atmosphere and your own mental weakness to create difficulty. It is an extremely clever course. Risk reward also plays a big factor, with several holes bordering the beach itself.
Although every hole at North Berwick is worthy of comment, the stretch of holes from the 13th to the 15th really grabs my attention each time I play. The 13th “Pit” features a green sunken behind a wall, the 14th “Perfection” requires two precise shots and, with its sloping green, the par-3 15th “Redan” is one of the most copied short holes in world golf.
Those with a slice will need to pay particular attention to the beach on the 1st and rows of parked cars on the tantalisingly reachable finale.
The West Links at North Berwick is unique and it’s a course that all true lovers of seaside golf should make a point of visiting at least once.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
North Berwick is a golfing education and it should be approached as such. In mild weather it may be a little easier than many other big names but few venues can lay claim to such an array of original features. It’s an extremely fair and playable golf course for every standard of player.
A wonderfully intriguing course, so thought provoking and testing, a new challenge every time you venture out. Oh to be a member and have that joy more often. The layout and design sit comfortably in the landscape. The plants and wildlife offered constant interest and distractions, I saw many wild flowers, butterflies, insects, birds and grasses.
Classic links turf, rough, bunkers and greens; this is a course that should hold up in good condition all year round. Heavily bunkered with fine sand in consistent and good condition. Fairways heavily divoted which was disappointing, probably indicative of levels of traffic.
North Berwick Golf Club West Links Location
Best Courses Near to North Berwick Golf Club West Links
Best Places to Stay Near North Berwick Golf Club West Links
Marine, North Berwick - Book now at Booking.com
Recently upgraded, this excellent hotel is set right on the edge of the West Links. A historic building, it's stylish and comfortable with excellent dining and a revamped spa facility.
Nether Abbey Hotel, North Berwick - Book now at Booking.com
Right in the centre of North Berwick, the Nether Abbey is very convenient for the golf course and the other attractions of the town. Bedrooms are en-suite and there's a great full Scottish breakfast to be had.
North Berwick Golf Club West Links Course Gallery
North Berwick Golf Club West Links Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 28
- 2023/24 - 29
- 2021/22 - 30
- 2019/20 - 29
- 2017/18 - 26
- 2015/16 - 28
- 2013/14 - 31
- 2011/12 - 34
- 2009/10 - 38
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a handicap to play at North Berwick?
Advice on the North Berwick website says the following: "As we are a true championship course the test you will face reflects this. As a result, the course is not suitable for inexperienced golfers. All golfers should have a handicap of no more than 24 for gentlemen and 36 for ladies. Please arrive at the Starters Lodge with a paper or electronic copy of your certificate."
Is there a dress code at North Berwick?
On the course North Berwick expects formal golfing attire, including the wearing of golf shoes or training shoes. The rule of thumb being, if it can be purchased in a Professionals Shop then that is acceptable.
In the Clubhouse, smart jeans (no rips/ holes) and training shoes are welcome along with formal golfing attire.
Has North Berwick ever hosted The Open?
No. But it is a championship course that has hosted many significant events over the years. It has been used in Final Qualifying for The Open and has been co-host to the Amateur Championship. It has hosted the Ladies British Amateur Strokeplay.
