North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
A gloriously eccentric seaside links where the original 'Redan' was born — one of golf's oldest courses, and one any visitor can play by simply booking a tee time.
North Berwick Golf Club (West Links) in photos
Can I play North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)?
Yes — the West Links is one of the world's oldest courses in continuous play and it actively welcomes visitors. Public tee times are available across most of the week during the visitor season, though Fridays and Saturdays are largely reserved for members. You book directly with the club; no member introduction is needed.
How to book: Reserve online through the club's visitor tee-time booking system, or use the enquiry form or the bookings office by phone. Visitor play runs roughly March to November, with tee times typically offered Monday to Thursday and on Sundays. Book well ahead for summer, as this quirky historic links is in strong demand.
About North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
North Berwick's West Links has been played over since 1832, making it one of the oldest courses in the world still on its original ground, and its holes evolved naturally along the shore of the Firth of Forth rather than from a single architect's plan. It is a treasure trove of template holes and quirks — stone walls crossing fairways, the burn-guarded 'Pit' 13th, blind shots over dunes, and above all the par-3 'Redan' 15th that has been reproduced across the globe. Owned by East Lothian Council and shared by several clubs, it operates as a genuinely public links where travellers can book directly. Playing it is like stepping into golf's living history, wedged between the beach, the town and views to Bass Rock.
Signature hole
The par-3 15th, 'Redan', is the most copied hole in golf — a long one-shotter to a green angled and falling away behind a front bunker, the original template reproduced at courses around the world.
What makes it special
Home of the Redan
The 15th is the template hole architects have copied more than any other in the world.
Golf history you can play
Continuously played since 1832, the West Links is public and bookable — no membership or letter of introduction needed.
Seaside drama
Stone walls, blind shots and beach-hugging fairways with Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth as a backdrop.
Tournament pedigree
- The Open Championship Final Qualifying (multiple years)
- Men's Amateur Championship
- Women's Amateur Championship
- Scottish Men's Open (2025)
Need to know
Best time to play
May to September for the best conditions and long evenings; spring and autumn bring lower fees and firmer, faster links turf, with sea breezes a factor year-round.
Dress code
Recognised golf clothing on the course — collared or approved golf shirts and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim. Smart casual in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A walkable, endlessly characterful links with stone walls, blind shots and beach-side holes; caddies and trolleys can be arranged. Allow about four hours and pack for wind straight off the Firth of Forth.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Edinburgh (EDI) ~45 minutes by car; the town also has a direct train link to Edinburgh.
On arrival
North Berwick lies about 25 miles east of Edinburgh; take the A1 then the A198 coastal road into the town, with the links running right along the seafront. There is also a regular ScotRail service from Edinburgh to North Berwick station, a short walk from the first tee.
Stay near the course
The seaside town of North Berwick has hotels, guesthouses and self-catering within walking distance of the course, including the Marine North Berwick. Many golfers base in North Berwick or nearby Gullane to tackle the wider East Lothian links coast.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Marine North Berwick Hotel
North Berwick
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Golf Lodge Bed & Breakfast
North Berwick
A taste of the luxury stays near North Berwick Golf Club (West Links) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to North Berwick — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around North Berwick.
Explore North BerwickFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play the North Berwick West Links?
Yes. It is a public-access links that welcomes visitors most days during the season — you book directly with the club, with Fridays and Saturdays mainly kept for members.
How much does a round cost?
Guide green fees are around £320 in peak summer and about £220 in the March shoulder, with reduced winter rates. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
Do I need a handicap?
There is no strict handicap-certificate barrier, but visitors are expected to be competent golfers who can keep up a reasonable pace on a busy historic links.
When is the best time to play?
May to September for the firmest turf and longest days; book several months ahead for summer tee times.
More golf courses to play
St Andrews — Old Course
St Andrews, Scotland · Links
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
Carnoustie, Scotland · Links
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Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
Turnberry, Scotland · Links
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Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course)
Dornoch, Scotland · Links
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Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns, Scotland · Links
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Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)
Cruden Bay, Scotland · Links
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- North Berwick Golf Club — Visitor Information
- North Berwick West Links — Wikipedia
- North Berwick Golf Club — Green Fees
Guide updated 2026-07-27.