2026 North Berwick tee times on sale

North Berwick 2026 tee times

One of the most sought after tee times went on sale this week - North Berwick West Links. Note that they no longer allow visitor play on either Friday or Saturday.

There’s something about the town and the setting that is very reminiscent of St Andrews… just a little calmer. The Club is steeped in history and played a pivotal role in the growth of the game, hosting many of the early duals between golf great such as Tom Morris. Oh and it’s also home to the most copied hole in golf - the Redan 15th.

The golf course has all the ingredients that I enjoy - fun, memorable and thoughtful holes, fast and firm links conditions and great seaside views of Bass Rock, Fidra Island and the town. Disclaimer - it’s my favourite golf course in Scotland.

Don’t take my word for it. The joy and energy that I’ve witnessed firsthand from Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas during their annual round before the Genesis Scottish Open isn’t seen often. As someone who previous to typing these newsletters spent the previous seven years travelling the world with these golf pros, seeing them do overtime and sneaking in an extra round during a tournament week only ever happens at North Berwick.

Turnberry Ailsa Course delays

Turnberry has been forced to delay the opening of the Ailsa Course after the well documented damage to their golf course by protesters.

While the resort have tried to accommodate existing bookings where possible, this has left golfers and golf tour operators scrambling for alternatives, with many neighbouring courses such as Royal Troon and Prestwick Golf Club all but sold out.

The delay will allow additional time for the most recent course improvements by Mackenzie & Ebert to holes five and seven to bed in.

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry has changed considerably since my first visit there in June, 2012. My father had asked what my twin brother and I wanted for our 18th birthday present. Our twilight summer round on the Ailsa Course certainly isn’t your typical start to adulthood but no doubt a catalyst towards my links golf obsession.

I look forward to showcasing the latest course improvements later this summer.

Green fees on the rise (again)

Every year, UK Golf Guy does an extensive breakdown on the cost to play the top ranked golf courses in the UK and it’s safe to say the price of golf continues to rise.I won’t give any spoilers and strongly recommend you read his work.

Not only are you the travelling golfers paying an extortionate amount for good golf but many golf clubs are sitting on a pile of cash and a desire to spend it on…anything.

More golf course “improvements” for the sake of them, fancy new restrooms and halfway huts. Another first tee gift you will never use. Do we really need all this extra B.S? Golf in Scotland can be as simple as we want it to be and I get a sense from an increasing number of you reading this email, it’s what you would prefer.

I was invited onto BBC Scotland’s Morning Drive Show (national radio) to discuss. You can listen back here. (2 hour, 44 minute mark)

Links, Listens and Reads

Scotland’s influence on Alister MacKenzie’s work at Augusta National

St Andrews Old Course in Reverse took place this week with many getting to enjoy how the course originally played

Podcast interview with Ben Cowan-Dewar: Founder & CEO of Cabot - Talks Scottish influences and latest at Cabot Highlands