The “Other” North Berwick Links Is Pretty Sensational Too

The signage in North Berwick points to the “East Links.” The locals barely know what else to call it. But to the few people in the world who have played the 6,275-yard links overlooking North Berwick and framed by the glorious Bass Rock, it’s known as Glen Golf Club.

While North Berwick’s West course deservedly ascends to elite world status after many years of having been branded too "quirky", anyone visiting the East Lothian golf region would be thrilled to have a day at the East Links. That is, if you like your views on the sensational side, no shortage of fun shots, an all-world first team par-3 and a relaxed setting overlooking the idyllic town.

Admittedly, this unheralded East Lothian gem is in a highly competitive and diverse neighborhood for golf. As I noted in this 2013 story for Golf Digest and recent video tour, there is no better place to set up shop for a full week of links golf than the area branded as “Scotland’s Golf Coast.” Even if you never get the invite to play Muirfield, you can enjoy Gullane’s three courses (a composite of which is hosting the 2015 Scottish Open). Then there are gems like Kilspindie, Dunbar, Longniddry, Archerfield and even the modern Renaissance Club, along with the wondrous North Berwick West. Yet it’s borderline criminal that Glen Golf Club is not on the tip of tongues as a must play.

A few things may conspire against this council owned and Glen Club operated links, starting with the less than sexy name. "The East Links" would sport more punch, but “The” word is off limits here.

The clubhouse staff is most welcoming, but the club’s building as an extension of the glorious town aesthetic leaves much to be desired architecturally. And like so many links, the first and closing holes play over the least interesting ground in order to maintain a connection to the town, but that’s never hurt the reputations of places like the Old Course, North Berwick West or lesser known gems like Fraserburgh.

That said, the 332-yard opening hole is by no means dull. A wide open tee shot with a magnet of a fairway bunker leads to an 75-foot rise for the approach shot. The heart rate climbs and juices begin flowing, because the view atop the hill looking back at the town will make the day a success for any skeptics who questioned booking the “other” course in town. From there the second plays over so-so golf ground but then it’s off to the races, with a routing that changes directions, looks and challenges. The backdrops are mostly stunning: whether it’s the Bass Rock out to sea or the Berwick Law standing guard over the town as a constant landmark, you always feel like you are playing golf at a special place.

 More standout holes liven things up at the seventh, eighth, and 204-yard par-3 ninth holes while teasing you with glimpses of playing immediately next to the sea. That moment happens at the world-famous 148-yard par-3 13th. Semi-blind and hanging on a cliff ledge, the thrill of the shot is similar to that of the 7th at Pebble Beach.


Though playing into the prevailing wind, the short par-4 14th offers a fun rush up to a blind fairway and a relatively simple pitch, while the 473-yard par-5 15th is a nice chance at birdie before a challenging finish is made more difficult by the distraction of looking down on that charming village where pints and good meals await. 

Though the ground features and character of the holes as individuals never amounts to the genius that is North Berwick’s West Links, the East as an 18-hole experience tells its own story of scenery, shotmaking and memories that will remain with you long after you’ve left Scotland’s charming golf coast.