Whitekirk Golf & Country Club, North Berwick, East Lothian. (1995

| Hits: 2303

Whitekirk Golf & Country Club, North Berwick, East Lothian. (1995 - 2016)

The course opened in 1995.

It was the brainchild of farmer George Tuer to lay out the course on his land near picturesque North Berwick. It's near neighbours included Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar.

Mr Tuer realised that if the course was to be a success it would need to be competitive with first class facilities at affordable prices. It was not a private club and was open to all on a pay and play basis. There was a large clubhouse serving good food to members as well as visitors who also had the use of their own private function room with separate bar.

The 18-hole course was laid out by Cameron Sinclair on undulating heathland with natural water hazards. There were spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside from the elevated tees. The greens had been prepared to USGA specifications.

Information from the club website – “Situated in the heart of East Lothian, Whitekirk golf club, North Berwick is a great place for all to relax and enjoy a game of golf on our challenging 18-hole course. The club combines tradition, refined décor, a warm welcome and quality service all in an exceptionally beautiful setting in the heart of East Lothian.

Approximately two miles from the sea Whitekirk golf course has a links feel, but your golf is played on rich, fertile, grassy fairways. The course was cleverly designed by Cameron Sinclair who used the natural water hazards and undulating East Lothian terrain to produce an enjoyable challenge for all levels of golfer.

Many of the tees are elevated to make the most of the idyllic views across East Lothian. Despite only opening in 1995, the golf course has already earned championship status, hosting annually from 1998 to 2001 the PGA Mastercard Tour and from 2002 to 2006 the Sky televised PGA Europro Tour.”

Report from June 1998 competition below.

Aberdeen Evening Express Thursday 4 June 1998. Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Advert for the course in January 1999.

Gateshead Post Wednesday 6 January 1999. Image © Reach plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

During the 2000s the course measured 6,526 yards with a Par and SSS of 72. The club had a membership of 400. The secretary was D Brodie. The professional was Paul Wardell. Green fees, £28 weekdays, £38 weekends.

Review of the course from August 2015. “Played here on a Monday was like millionaire golf. The course has stunning views and is in great condition, the greens are tricky. The front 9 is more picturesque than the back but the back is still a good test. The staff are very friendly and helpful.”

The following message appeared on the club Facebook page on 3 February 2016; “Dear Members - Due to circumstances out of our control it is with regret that we have to inform you that the facilities will be closed with immediate effect for what we hope is a short period.”

Course scorecards.

Course scorecards and hole profiles.

Below are pictures of the course prior to closure.

Thanks to Dr Douglas Lockhart who visited the site on Friday 26 May 2023 and provided the pictures below. The course is mostly overgrown with hardly any features visible. There is now a restaurant, holiday lodges and play area on site.