Elevate Golf – Part Two is a short golf blog post that looks at the Scotland section of this amazing event.
After arriving home from Liverpool late at night, the next day I was off again.
This time, I was scheduled to play the West Links at North Berwick.
North Berwick Golf Club
There has been golf played at North Berwick since 1832, and the club is the 13th-oldest golf club in the world.
Visitors are welcome Monday to Thursday between 11:00 – 14:30 and Sunday afternoons between 12:00 – 15:30.
One of the coolest things at North Berwick is that every visitor is treated like a member for the day.
You really feel like a part of something when you spend a day at this fantastic facility.
From the minute you arrive and are greeted by the Concierge Team to the moment you leave, you feel special.
The practice facilities
Between the 1st tee and the pro-shop, you will find practice nets where you can hit a few balls to warm up.
There is also a large chipping and putting green to help you get the speed of the greens before teeing off.
A long game range and putting green can be reached with a short 3-5 minute drive.
Hire Equipment & Services
Rental sets can be hired for £50 per round (Right & and left-handed clubs available)
Electric Trolleys can be hired for £20 per round, and Pull Trolleys for £5 per round.
Caddies can be hired for £70 per round plus gratuity (To be paid in cash and booking is essential.
The Golf Course
It has a similar feel to the Old Course, because it starts and finishes on the edge of town.
A true Links course in every meaning of the word, and can be tame or fierce depending on the weather.
It has rolling fairways, deep bunkers, dry stone walls meandering through the course and awesome greens. What more do you want?
The Front Nine
The 1st tee shot is slightly daunting due to the beach and sea on your right.
Much like the Old Course, St Andrews, the 1st hole shares the same fairway with the 18th.
When I played, there was a strong wind blowing left to right across the hole, forcing you to hit the ball left.
Then, after completing the 1st, the next seven holes were all into the strong wind.
The 2nd and 3rd holes are Par 4s, and I hit Driver, 5 wood on both and came up short on both holes.
Our first Par 3 came at the 4th. 168 yards into the wind. Because of the wind, I had to hit a 4 iron (right next to the cup, by the way)
The onslaught continued up to the 9th tee, where the hole was in a different direction, and so was the wind.
The Back Nine
From the 10th, North Berwick reveals its true beauty because it hugs the stunning coastline.
The 10th is a fine Par 3. A diagonal green surrounded by deep bunkers.
Number 11 is a risk-reward Par 5, because it is reachable in two.
The 12th is a short Par 4, which is a great birdie chance.
‘Pit’, the 13th, is one of the quirkiest holes in golf.
‘Perfection’, the 14th, is a short, tricky hole with a blind second shot that requires perfection.
Then comes the 15th ‘Redan’, where the club decision is vital.
‘Gate’, the 16th, is a superb hole which has a very tricky green with no room for error.
The 17th hole demands a good drive. Better too long than too short on your approach.
A Links-minded golfer should make a Birdie on the 18th.
The 18th is similar to the Old Course because of the parked cars.
The Clubhouse
After the round of golf, you are invited to use the clubhouse facilities.
The Bar & Catriona Matthew Lounge can be found on the first floor, which offers great views of the Links.
Full catering is offered between 08:30 and 20:00
They offer a typical, clubhouse food & drink menu that includes burgers, fries, etc. Don’t pass on the ‘Golfers Salad’!!
Fairmont, St Andrews 2 Days Appointments & Networking.
The following two days were filled with 40 x 15-minute appointments between suppliers and buyers.
This was quite tiring over 2 days, and I eventually lost my voice, but it was worth it.
Strengthening existing relationships and creating new business partners, as well as making new friends.
The whole experience, which lasted 5 days in total, was fantastic.
They had Coffee Breaks, lunches during the two days.
Then the Gala Dinner to finish off the event, which was presented by Di Stewart (Sky Sport presenter)
Another huge shout out to Leanne, Tom & Melanie for making it a huge success.
Looking forward to doing it all again next year.
What are your thoughts about Elevate Golf – Part Two?
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