Golf Courses

Thanksgiving Point Golf Course

A fun and visually enjoyable Johnny Miller designed golf course located in Lehi. The Jordan River meanders through the course. Lots of mounding, large bunkers and greens. The course is kept in very good condition. Links Magazine rated it as one of the tip “Hidden Gems” in the country.

Best Holes – #6 is a long par 4 with gardens along the left side and the Jordan River on the right. It is best to keep it straight here. The green is large and receptive. #11 is a tough three shot hole with a long carry of the water right off the tee.

Bonneville Golf Course

The setting here is wonderful with a mountain backdrop and views into Salt Lake below. The course itself is has a wonderful variety of holes. Bonneville is used in a lot of local and state tournaments and for good reason. To score here you will need to have all facets of your game going well. Not a course to try and overpower, think you way around here.

Best Holes – #5 is blind off the tee, aim down the middle and trust it. The key here is to be on the correct level of the green with your approach. There is a large slope down to the back tier. #17 is a pretty par 3 with a Donald Ross type green, somewhat domed and sloping away on all sides. #18 is a fantastic finish. The tee shot plays downhill, narrows the farther you go and long hitters can reach the cross stream. If you hit your tee shot left (I always seem to) you are playing a semi blind approach to a subtlety sloped green tucked into a natural amphitheater. Players can easily take 3, or 6, and have in back to back rounds.

While you are there – Just down the street is “This is the Place Heritage Park” this is where Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake valley and told the travelling party, “This is the Place”. The park is very nice and does a good job telling some of Utah and Mormon history.

Bountiful Ridge Golf Club

Always in good shape, great views of the Great Salt Lake below and the mountains above. Friendly staff, great conditions, fun and varied holes along with a great price caused Golf Digest to declare Bountiful Ridge the best golf value in the country. The greens vary in size but are have strong slopes, normally from back to front. There is generally a little more room off the tee than it looks.

Best Holes – #2 seems to be a simple par 3, medium length, downhill to a large green. The issue is the steepness of the green. Unless you are directly below the pin you will have an intimidating bender, even if it is a shorty. 18th is a beautiful par 5, it can be reached in two but the green is surrounded by water. The stream and waterfall make for a great setting.

While you are there – Nice setting to have some food and drink. This is my choice for an arrival or departure day round.

Park City Course

Located in the heart of Park City, this course provides a really nice round of golf. The course has numerous ponds and streams running throughout. The greens are fairly flat but have subtle breaks that will create issues if you are not careful. Most fairways are tree lined and some are pretty tight. There are tons of pleasant views of the surrounding mountains and ski area. Very convenient for nine or eighteen.

Best Holes – 6 is a short downhill par 4 but is the #1 handicap on the course. Your drive must be between 200 and 225 yards leaving a short iron into a three tier green protected front and left by water and OB long and right. 18 is a fun par 5, you can play it as a relatively easy 3 shot hole, or long hitters can risk it and go for it in two. Bunkers come into play off the tee and water surrounds the green on three sides.

While you are there – Ruth Chris is on property and offers a great summer bar menu and a wonderful setting. My preference is to go up the street to Silver Star Café, get a table on the rail, have a drink and an Elk Burger while overlooking the course we just played. One of the best spots in Park City.

Mountain Dell Canyon Course

A solid and fun front nine gives way to a stunning back nine. Holes 11 to 15 play up and down Lambs Canyon and are special. This setting is wonderful and the golf is great fun. Medium sized greens, tree lined fairways with good bunkering. The holes up the canyon make this a tough walk, but it is a beautiful one. Pay attention to elevation changes when making club selection.

Best Holes – #11 is a wonderful par 5. A 3 shot hole, a wide fairway becomes more narrow on the second and the long narrow green provides a challenge. Each shot plays longer than you expect. #12 is another fun uphill hole. A shortish par 4 where your tee shot needs to be accurate and sloid or the ravine will cost you a stroke. The second is severely uphill. #13 is the par 3 at the top of the course. Beautiful and challenging. Shots off line are problematic, particularly if left.

Mountain Dell Lakes Course

This course has some of the best designed holes in the area. Watch out for Moose, they are frequently on this course. Good elevation changes, fun golf holes and stunning views. Lakes, ravines, mountain streams, this is really fun mountain style golf.

Best Holes – #4 is a dogleg left with your tee shot carrying the lake. A poorly planned drive will find the lake, a solid drive leaves a short pitch to a small green protected short with bunkers, long is in the lake. #6 reminds me a A.W. Tillinghast, a long dogleg right with rough and bunker down the right, how much can I carry? 4 is a good score here. #17 is a beautiful downhill par 3, club selection is imperative, the stream is short, bunker and woods are long. The green is a really pleasant setting.

While you are there – As with most of the Park City area courses, the clubhouse has a great setting. The burgers are good and the beer is ice cold.

Wasatch State Mountain Course

Rated as the most beautiful course in Utah every year. Playing up the mountain, the first 7 holes climb over 2000 feet, and the final 8 play back down. This is THE must play while here. Turkey, deer, hawks, mountain streams, great golf and amazing views from start to finish, you have to love this course. Take one or two extra clubs going up the mountain and less coming down. Putts tend to break significantly toward the valley.

Best Holes – Wow, this is tough, there are a ton of them. #3 really gets things going. Dogleg right par 4 where you really should stay left off the tee. The second plays at least one extra club. Stay below the pin and don’t go right. The green slopes hard back to front. Par or better through here and you could be in for a good day. #8 is the first down hill hole. Par 5 that works left to right. Aim just right of the lone fairway bunker, the rough right kills anything slightly right of center. Trust me here, the green slopes away from the mountain. #12, hit it high and let if fly, the ball stays in the air forever. Keep the tee shot left. A two tiered green that slopes left to right. Great mountain hole!

Wasatch State Lake Course

The Lakes Course is a very enjoyable course at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. Well-designed holes and a good variety keep your interest. Eight lakes and numerous streams run through this course. Great course to walk. The course itself is a very good test and is used for numerous state tournaments. The greens are medium sized and subtilty sloping. You don’t need to overpower this course, it is great fun, fair and you need play a complete round to score here.

Best Holes – #6 is a good medium length par 3. Be sure to take enough to carry the pond. Just a beautiful setting and very good golf hole. #14 is one of my favorite par 5s in the area. A hard dogleg right. You will be tempted to try and cut the dogleg but this is not a good bet. Those trees grab anything down the right and leave you with nothing. Two well struck shots on the correct line and you can get home, any mistake brings double, or worse, into play.

While you are there – The clubhouse patio is a fantastic setting. Good food and cold beer. This is my spot for a birthday meal. A Mountain Dog at the halfway house on the Mountain course is a must. Great hot dog. Be sure to drive back to Park City by going over Guardsman Pass, it takes and extra 10 or 15 minutes but the views are stunning.

Soldier Hollow Silver Course

A linksy course with a surprising amount of elevation changes. Every hole is unique, fun and has its own unique challenge. Large greens with numerous good pin positions. One of those courses that you will use most clubs in your bag. Fun and attractive course. I really enjoy the 6 par 3, par 4 and par 5 set up. The variety and routing will keep your interest throughout.

Best Holes – #9 is a fun par 5, the tee shot gives you room between the fairway bunkers, the second shot however, with the pond left and the fairway sloping that way, you need to keep well to the right. The elevated green is well protected by the bunker left and creek behind. #15 is a make or break par 3 for your round. Anything short will find the pond. The hole is long and plays longer. Hitting the green does not ensure a par, the green is strongly sloping and can be deceptive.

Soldier Hollow Gold Course

The Gold Course played host to the prestigious 2012 USGA National Publink Championship. This links-style course runs along the side of the mountain with large multi-tiered greens, excellent bunkering and wonderful views of the majestic Mount Timpanogos to the beautiful Heber Valley below. The greens tend to break toward the Tate Barn and the valley. Choose your tee wisely, this course can stretch to over 7600 yards, don’t push it, there are plenty of challenges from any yardage!

Best Holes – There are quite a few choices here, #5 is my favorite par 3, your tee shot must carry a canyon filled with scrub oak, the green is surrounded by rough and a deep greenside bunker to the right. I really enjoy the par 4 10th hole, it plays significantly downhill, the approach should be played to the left of your target as everything slopes hard right to left. 16 is a gem of a par 5. A large fairway bunker to the right off the tee with deep rough to the left. The second should be played to the right, the closer you get to the green, the narrower the fairway. The green is well elevated and has significant slope, particularly toward the back of the green.

While you are there – The clubhouse restaurant is one of the best mountain settings anywhere. 30 foot windows look out at the Heber Valley and the courses. The restaurant has a great breakfast. An ice cream cone from Heber Mountain Dairy on your way back to Park City is a must.

Lahinch Golf Club – 1892

This is my favorite in Ireland. The original Irish course built by Old Tom Morris and updated by Alistar Mackenzie. The course is interesting, beautiful and historic. One of the most fun courses I have played. The sixth hole “Dell” is a short par three with the green set between two large dunes. The pin location is shown by a white stone on the hill that is moved by the greenskeeper when he the pin position is changed. Quirky? Yes, but great fun! Rated as one of the top 50 courses in the world and well deserved.

Ballybunion Old Golf Club

Best Holes – #1 “Tombstones”, You have to choose this open. A drive down the right fairway is preferred, but be careful, the adjoining graveyard is OB. The green is guarded by bunkers, anything left will be difficult to get up and down. #7 “Castle Green” is a gorgeous par 4. Like several of the holes here, you want to play down the right side, but OB looms along the cliffs. The green is surrounded by dunes that Ballybunion is famous for. #11 “Watsons” Named for Tom Watson, aim your tee shot on the OB line right and let the prevailing winds drift you back to the fairway. Your second should carry all the way to the green, large grass bunker right and short.

Dunaverty Golf Club

Playing Dunaverty is like going back in time. This course remains true to its original 1889 design. The course is quite short but makes for a wonderful and fun outing. Excellent views and some really fine short holes. You will be tempted to try and overpower this course, your score would rather you didn’t.

Best Holes – #6 “Arthur’s Seat” is the longest par 3 at Dunaverty. The sloping fairway will cause any short drive to collect into one of several hollows leaving the player with a challenging chip to the green. 12th “Brunecican” is a short par 4 playing uphill toward the sea. Birdies can be had here, but the slope to the green makes putting a challenge.

While you are here – Do your best to spend some time with a member or two. They are friendly and profoundly proud of their “hidden gem” at Dunaverty.

Shiskine Golf Club

The best things in life take effort. Getting to Shiskine is one of these. This 12 hole gem is located on the Isle of Arran. It requires a ferry ride from Cambeltown, this is just the start of your adventure. Spectacular sea views toward Ireland with huge rock monoliths bordering the shore. Plan on playing this fun and scenic course twice if not three times while here.

Best Holes – #3 “Crows Nest” is a 122 yard par 3 that slopes left to right. A tee shot left is a lost ball, right can leave you with a tricky downhill chip or putt. #6 “Shore Hole” is a good short par 4 risk reward hole. OB right and trouble left, a straight drive can leave you with a good birdie, or eagle chance here.

While you are there – Shiskine has a very nice tennis program, the Crows Nest is a great spot for food and/or a pint. The number one draw here, is the golf!

Machrihanish Dunes

A newer course that rounds out the Kintyre Peninsula for golf. Bordering the sea, this is one of the most natural courses you will find. Bounding fairways and greens with natural looking and sometimes hidden, bunkers. You will want to think your way around Mach Dunes as the slopes can help or hurt depending on where you come in from.

Best Holes – #5 “Ugadale” is a slightly uphill par 3 with view of the town and hotel in the distance. The green is protected short right by a group of pot bunker that you are best to avoid. #10 “Hang Ten” is a nice par 4 with dramatically sloping fairway playing to a green surrounded on three sides by tremendous dunes. The hole plays along and to the beach.

While you are there – The drive to Machrihanish is worth the trip alone. Once you arrive the town and surrounding area are fantastic. A walk on the beach looking out to Ireland on a clear day or a Whisky tasting at one of the three remaining distilleries in Campbeltown. This area was the top Scotch producer in the world prior to American prohibition.

Machrihanish Old Golf

A classic and historic links course in every sense of the word. Directly on the sea, sandy soil, dunes and bunkers throughout. The green complexes are varied and fun. This is old school golf, short holes, long holes, elevated greens, greens in hollows. This is just great fun and should not be missed.

Best Holes – The first “Battery” is widely considered the best opening hole in golf. A dogleg left where you have to decide how much of the beach you can carry. The rest of the front boarders the beach and any hole may be your favorite. 14 “Castlehill” may be the toughest hole on the course. A long par 4 with a well-protected green.

While you are there – Machrihanish Dunes and Dunvertey are both very good and fun courses that are well worth playing. If you take a day and head to Shiskine you will not regret it. Amazing 12 hole course with views that are unrivaled. The Ugadale Hotel is one of the top in the UK. Located across from the first hole this is THE place to stay. Great food and accommodations. On a relatively clear day be sure to find a good spot to watch the sun go down with a nice pint, the sunsets here can be amazing. Lots of other options in Campbeltown and the surrounding area.

Panmure Golf Club

Panmure starts with a couple solid and flat holes, use the warm up wisely as once you reach the fifth the course becomes spectacular. Humps, bumps and some stunning dunes make for fun and challenging golf. The greens are epic! The link to Ben Hogan is still huge. This is where Hogan practiced for his only Open appearance and victory. When he was asked after his victory at Carnoustie what his favorite hole was while there, he said the sixth at Panmure. Not a popular comment at Carnoustie, but it sure played well here.

Best Holes – #6 “Hogan” how can you argue with Mr. Hogan, his favorite! #9 “Monument” is an almost blind par 3 due to the huge dunes protecting the front of the green, visually stunning and great fun.

While you are there – The clubhouse is one of my personal favorites. It is architecturally beautiful from the outside. The interior is a classic and beautiful old school clubhouse. Dark wood, lush carpeting, beautiful old bar, wonderful historic photos, awards and prints. It is too bad so many other courses have modernized their clubhouses, this place is one of the few greats left.

Carnoustie Championship Course

Perhaps the most fair test in golf, the championship course tests every bit of your game. It once was thought overly difficult and unattractive, however the tree removal program in the late 90s exposed the greatness and beauty that is Carnoustie. Fantastic holes throughout, great history and a ton of fun. Carnoustie is a true Championship Links in every way.

Best Holes – #6 “Hogan’s Alley” a medium length par 5 that can be reached on a calm day, OB left, bunkering right and a well bunkered undulating green. Typically plays into the wind making it even more challenging. #14 “Spectacles” will stay in your memory. A poorly planned or struck second will invariably find one of the two spectacle bunkers, not fun, the green is slightly elevated with a deep bunker protecting short right. #18 “Home” known for the demise of both Johnny Miller (75) and Jean Van de Velde’s (99) Open chances. Very challenging and completely memorable. A par is fantastic, a bogey would have won both of the above an Open Championship.

While you are there – Carnoustie is not our favorite town, good day trip from St. Andrews. Both the Burnside and Buddon Courses are a good an fun test. Panmure is a 5 minute drive and is one of the best clubs in Scotland. If you score an invite to the private Carnoustie Golf Club, don’t miss it. Good food and drink in a friendly atmosphere.

Kingsbarn Golf Links

The best of the more modern courses in Scotland. Turned a sleepy little farm town on the outskirts of St. Andrews into a thriving destination. The course is absolutely beautiful and always in excellent condition. Kingsbarns is the favorite of many Americans.

Best Holes – 4 is a very well-designed par 4 dogleg left, if you can carry the bunker off the tee you have a short iron in to a large undulating green. 15 is just beautiful, a medium length par 3 along the beach, bring your camera. 16 is my favorite par 5 on the course. The hole mirrors the beach working right to a large undulating green protected behind and right by a small burn and heavy rough.

While you are there – The clubhouse is excellent (not my favorite aesthetically) and the service may be the best in the UK. There is a nice distillery in town that is worth a look. Other than that, head back to St. Andrews.

St. Andrews Links

This is a must for any golfer, The Home of Golf. It is not just the Old Course, it is the town, the atmosphere, the University, the shops and museums. The courses are not the most picturesque, but they are some of the best links in the world. It is a very special place. My choice in order, Old, Jubilee, New, Eden, Strathtyrum, Balgove, The Castle is rated anywhere from first to last depending on your outlook, it is beautiful to be sure. Each course has its own merits and results in a fun round.

Best Holes – Old Course – 1 widest fairway in the world, but I guarantee your heart will be racing when you tee it up. 11 is one of the best par 3s in the world. Strongly sloped from back to front with a diabolical pot bunker front of the green, when the pin is left you must be brave! 17 a tough par 4 ½. A blind drive over the old railway sheds, you will want to go further right than you think, but too far ends up OB in the Old Course Hotel. A strong drive results in a long second to a very small green protected by one of the most difficult bunkers in the world front, and the road back. 18 There is always a gallery when you putt out on Tom Morris, not the hardest hole, but it is a great way to finish.

While you are there – Post golf, a pint at the Dunvegan is a must. The atmosphere, photographs and fellow golfers make this great fun. The Jigger Inn located off 17 green is a solid choice for a bite and a pint. Other than these two, you are better served to go to North or Market for pubs and food, much more reasonable and better food. Walking through the park at St. Andrews Cathedral ruins (the largest enclosed building in the world when it opened). The Golf Museum behind the R and A Clubhouse is a great hour for any golf enthusiast.

Lundin Golf Club

Near to St Andrews the ‘Home of Golf’, is well known throughout the golfing world as a course of rare quality. Founded in 1868, on a Tom Morris course it was extensively redesigned by five times Open Champion James Braid in 1909.

Best Holes – 2, Quarry is a fun short par 4, club selection from the tee is important with a burn crossing the fairway. Sea left makes this a beauty. 18 Home is a wonderful finish. Well bunkered fairway and green, playing toward the beautiful classic clubhouse. #10 “Fife Ness” I am a sucker for a short par 4 and this is a good one. The smart play is to hit a mid iron short of the bunkers which leaves you a pitch to this small green. Should you choose to try and drive the green aim for the pot bunker and hope the slope takes you home. Be aware, there is a second pot bunker to the left that will collect anything less than pure.

While you are there – The clubhouse is beautiful and historic. Great spot for a pint and/or a bite to eat. This place is close to my heart, this was the first match played in the history of The Scotland Junior Golf Invitational.

Crail Golfing Society, Balcomie Course

This is a must while in Fife, the club was founded in 1786 and the course is one of the most traditional in the area. Old Tom Morris design, short, quirky, very exposed to the elements, windy, beautiful and most of all, great fun. The membership and pro staff are wonderful, David Snodgrass, the new director of golf, is one of the nicest and most dedicated pros in golf!

Best Holes – 1 Downhill par 4 can be drivable downwind, but beware, there is a small burn directly behind the small green. 5 Hell’s Hole is a long par 4 dogleg right with the sea along the right of the hole. You must carry the dogleg as the beach is out of bounds. #14 “The Cave” is a beautiful downhill par 3 with a bunker with sleeper ties guarding the entire front of the green. Large multi-tiered green. Even being down hill, most players come up short here, take a little extra. Between here and 15 you will see the cave. This is where, legend has it, King Constantine I met his demise in AD 877.

Crail Craighead Links – Looking out toward East Lothian, Isle of May and Bass Rock, the views on Craighead are some of the best in Fife. This was Gil Hanse’s first course in Scotland and he did a wonderful job. The holes are varied, more challenging overall than Balcomie, but still fun to play. Crail makes for a fantastic 36 hole day.

Best Holes – #4 “Hollow Flats” is a strong dogleg right par 4. Choose your line and club carefully from the tee. The windmill is a good line, but if downwind the rough can be reached. The second plays toward the sea, you should plan to fly your approach to the hole.

While you are there – The clubhouse has wonderful views of the final 4 holes and the sea. This is a must spot before or after your round to have a bite or a pint and look at all of the historic trophies. Be sure to say hello to David Snodgrass, the director of golf, honestly one of the nicest people in golf! The town is very nice and well worth spending some time, but we normally end up staying in St. Andrews.

Gullane Golf Club

Gullane is another wonderful East Lothian Club. Lots of scenery, wonderful classic holes and history everywhere. Three very good courses, each with their own personality and all well worth playing.

#1 – 1 is the longest of the three and the primary course for two Scottish Open Championships in the last decade. Once you go up Gullane Hill (the second climbs the hill) 1 is very firm, fast and windy. Very challenging when the wind is up.

Best Holes – 6 is a very nice par 3, the green is partially blind and well-guarded with bunkers front. 7 is one of the most impressive spots in golf. Set high on the bluffs you can look back toward Muirfield or forward toward Edinburgh and the Forth Road Bridge. The hole is a good par 4 that becomes a beast if played into the wind. 18 is a fairly basic par 4 but plays back toward town and the clubhouse. The end to many memorable rounds.

#2 – 2 is my favorite of the three courses. It is not as long or difficult as #1 but it is every bit as scenic and even more fun in my mind.

Best Holes – The front nine is nice and fairly flat with many lovely views of the Firth. I enjoy 10 greatly as it offers some wonderful views and shows the large concrete blocks that served as barriers to prevent German invasion during WW II. For an American this is a real eye opener, we have been blessed. The hole is a fine start to the back nine. 11 Sets high above the green with lovely Aberlady Bay as a backdrop.

#3 – Archie Baird’s favorite later in his life. He could be found here many afternoons playing foursomes. The course is the shortest of the three but is also the tightest and normally has the best greens.

Best Holes – 3 is a quirky par 4 that I enjoy. Playing under 300 yards but up a steep hill. You are totally blind to the seemingly reachable par 4. 15 is a fun 176 yard par 3 going back down the same hill. It can be played with a putter. I tried this in 2017 and put my tee shot to 3 feet. I made the putt for 5 as I had hit my first tee ball, an 8 iron OB.

While you are there – The members clubhouse (open to guests playing #1) is very nice with good food and a quality pint at the ready. Photos range from the Park brothers to Babe Zaharias, to Ricky Fowler. The previous men’s clubhouse was off limits to lady players. A long time member owned the house and donated it to THE LADIES GOLF CLUB and kept it off limits to the men until recently.

Musselburgh Links, The Old Course

The original Open championship course is a must for history buffs. Possibly the oldest course in the world, this 9 hole course hosted the first six Open Championships and countless money matches including the Park’s, Sayers, Morris’ and many others. The course plays within the horse track.

Best Holes – #2 “The Graves” has two hidden bunkers around your landing area and is the burial ground for soldiers during the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, they were buried there in the hope that it would discourage people from playing golf. #4 “Mrs. Forman’s” is the longest on the course at 431 yards. Behind the green is Mrs. Forman’s, the first halfway house in golf.

While you are there – Take it all in, this is where it all began. A pint at Mrs. Forman’s is a must.

Kilspindie Golf Club

I must admit, it took me two trips around Kilspindie to truly appreciate it. This is one of the most fun match play courses anywhere. Neither Big hitters or short knockers have a distinct advantage here. Excellent rounds can be played by both, depending on their execution. The course is short at 5500 yard par 69 but don’t underestimate it. The setting is beautiful looking toward Edinburgh over Aberlady bay and the Firth of Forth. Keep an eye out for porpoise and sea lions swimming off the shore.

Best Holes – #2 “Kings Kist” is the only par 5 here, bunkers run its length on the left with the sea to the right. Keep it down the middle here and you should be rewarded with a good birdie opportunity, anything less brings much larger numbers into play. #8 “Gosford Bay” is a par 3 and your club could be a punch wedge, or a full fairway wood depending on the wind direction and intensity. Regardless, the view over the bay is special.

While you are there – The clubhouse is quaint and very friendly. I love this place. Very relaxed, it feels like you are going back in time and Willie Park or Ben Sayers will arrive at any time. The food is very good and reasonable.

Muirfield Golf Course

Home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is unquestionably one of the top courses in the world. Every hole offers its unique challenge and the routing gives a change in the wind every hole. A day at Muirfield is one of the great experiences in golf. An 18 hole round in the morning, change into your sport coat and tie, enjoy one of the finest lunches in Scotland, back to golf attire for 18 holes of Foursomes (Alternate Shot), then back into your sport coat and tie for drinks in one of the finest and most famous clubhouses in the world. If you are ever afforded this opportunity, grab it!

Best Holes – #9 505 yds from the members tee, the fairway begins to narrow around your landing area with two imposing bunkers on the left side. The green is protected by five bunkers that will consume all but the best shots. #13 is one of the top par 3s in the world, bunkers protect on all sides, even hitting the green can be perilous if you find yourself past the pin. #18 is one of my favorites, a solid par 4 playing toward one of the most attractive clubhouses in the world. What a great setting.

While you are there – Lunch and post round drinks in the clubhouse are a must. Sitting in the library and looking out the large bay window is one of my favorite moments in golf.

Dunbar Golf Club

One of the most overlooked courses in Scotland. Dunbar was founded in 1852 and is located on a narrow stretch of land, hard on the sea. The course is not long but in a good breeze it can be quite a challenge. The clubhouse is the most proximate to the sea in the world.

Best holes – 3 Jackson’s Pennies is an excellent down hill par 3, tough green guarded by bunkers on all sides. 7 a strong tee shot over the wall bordering Deer Park leaves a short iron to this blind green. 9 is one of the best par 5s in Scotland, a blind tee shot to a sloping fairway, if strong enough it will roll to the bottom of the hill and leave a long iron to the green. 16 is a beautiful par 3 with the sea at your back and to the right, a bunker short and the wall long requires good distance control.

While you are there – The clubhouse is one of the most traditional in Scotland. Quaint and friendly. The food is excellent and the service friendly. Say hello to my friend Chris Gecco, his family has been in Dunbar for generations. Be sure to stop at Tantallon Castle on your way to Dunbar. This 14th century castle is one of my favorite spots in the world. It is very well marked allowing for a great self-guided tour. You can spend 30 minutes or all afternoon, but don’t miss this. Be sure to bring your camera, the views of Bass Rock and the sea are spectacular.

The Glen Golf Club or North Berwick East Links

This course is not as well known as The West Links, but should not be overlooked. James Braid’s first design, there are numerous classic Braid holes. Set primarily on the bluffs above The Firth of Forth, the views are spectacular.

Best holes – 3 is one of my favorite par 4s. Fairly straight forward with a longer tee shot dropping off the upper plateau to the lower fairway leaves a short iron into the classic Braid green complex. A kidney shaped green with a bunker tucked in short right. 13 is the postcard par 3, a tee shot over a dune to a beachside green. Wonderful short hole.

While you are there – The clubhouse has one of the best sea views in Scotland (no small feat). The staff is friendly and the food is very good. The Seabass is some of the best I have had. The Ship Inn and Zitto’s are right down the street for dinner or a pint. Before golf a cup of coffee at Drift is great fun, situated on a bluff above the sea, this is a spectacular spot.

North Berwick West Links

The most fun course in the world. Amazing scenery, great fun holes, friendly membership, beautiful town and an awesome clubhouse.

Best holes – More than any other course! 2 drive over the beach to a narrow rolling fairway. 3 First time over the wall, long difficult hole. 9 one of the best par fives anywhere, double fairway separated by two small pot bunkers that are in play way more than you would expect. bunker comes into play off the tee for long hitters. Second shot plays shorter than it looks, but don’t be short, the bunker in front of the green is deadly. 10 my favorite par three at North Berwick, well bunkered right and left, aim to the middle of the green and make a putt. 13 The Pit, one of the most memorable holes in the world. Second shot over the wall to a narrow green. Watch the pot bunkers left off the tee. 14 Perfection more room left than you think, the second shot can be played short and left to run up to the blind green. 15 The Redan, most copied hole in the world. Land your tee shot short and left of the pin. You must carry the depression and bunkers short of the green. 17 mid fairway bunker comes into play off the tee for long hitters. Second shot plays shorter than it looks, but don’t be short, the bunker in front of the green is deadly. 18 Beautiful and Fun, looking to the clubhouse, Bass Rock, the sea and the beautiful town. This drivable par 4 is pretty straight forward, but don’t go right, OB and the car park are very much in play.

While you are there – Have a meal in the clubhouse prior to golf and / or a pint after. The trophy case upstairs is a must see. One of the best pubs in Scotland is The Ship Inn, great food and drink, a great mix of locals and tourists and very friendly staff make this a must stop. The breaded fish and chips, fish stew and pheasant (when available) are all fantastic. Zitto’s A very good and lively Italian restaurant on Quality Street. The lasagna is some of the best I have had at a restaurant. Great variety of small and large plates, good pizza. This building is where North Berwick Golf Club was formed in 1832.

Castle Stuart Golf Club

One of the newer Scottish courses, Gil Hanse did a wonderful job creating a fun and amazingly scenic course. Large fairways with undulating greens surrounded by natural bunkering. GREAT fun and deservedly in the top 100 of the world.

Best Holes

The sixth is a gem of a par 5 playing into a very narrow green with the sea as your backdrop. The 17 th a wonderful links par 3, the ideal tee shot is a running one played out to the left and short of the green, the slope will take you home.