A HISTORIC Scottish golf club that is approaching its 200th anniversary is in danger of being lost to the sea.
Golf has been played on the site in some form for almost 400 years with the club as we know it today being officially formed in 1832 – making it the 13th oldest in the WORLD.
This historic Scottish golf course is at risk of being wiped out by the sea Credit: North Berwick Golf Club
It boasts breath taking views of the coast Credit: North Berwick Golf Club
Some of the course’s famous features were firsts in the sport.
The 15th hole, Redan, with its sloping green, is now the most copied hole anywhere in the globe.
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While the ancient stone wall protecting the 14th green delights golfers from far and wide.
But the course is now under threat due to coastal erosion, caused primarily by rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms.
The course is question is West Links, home to North Berwick Golf Club. The coastal location provides golfers with stunning views of the Firth of Forth, including the iconic Bass Rock and its gannet colony.
Just a short drive away is The Renaissance Club, host of the Scottish Open. But despite being on the same stretch of North Sea coastline, it is a modern ‘inland’ links and doesn’t have the same worry as its neighbour. Only one hole plays next to the shore – and it’s perched on a cliff.
Storm Babet has had a lasting effect on the coastline of the town of North Berwick. The impact of Storm Floris and Storm Eowyn only increased the pressure put on the dunes of West Beach.
It’s not just the golf course that’s at risk. Birds and other wildlife, plus the coastal walking path, have taken a hit.
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Seven of the course’s holes hug the coastline and the damage to them was noticeable.
Over five metres of land had been reclaimed by the sea over the years and to try and save the precious stretch of shoreline, the club launched a project called Polish and Protect.
The first part of that involved recruiting renowned architect Gil Hanse to undertake some restoration work on individual holes, before diggers were sent in to do the heavy lifting on the coastline itself in May.
Gabion baskets and mattresses, large box-like structures made out of stones, have been installed as the primary defence mechanism, following by sand capping.
Around 80m of defences are in the process of being erected at the area adjacent the 14th hole and a further 200m has already been completed near the third hole.
Now a dedicated charity has been set up to encourage people to contribute to the wider cause.
Diggers have been on site since late spring Credit: North Berwick Golf Club
The total coastline covered by the defences built so far is around 300m Credit: North Berwick Golf Club
The North Berwick West Sands Coastal Erosion Charity aims to ‘preserve the historic West Links, and safeguard a coastline enjoyed by residents, visitors, and golfers from around the world’.
Hanse, who designed the course used for the Olympics in Rio in 2016, as well as Castle Stuart in Inverness and several elite tracks in the US, said: “The West Links is one of the most consequential golf courses in the history of golf course architecture.
“Its relationship with the West Sands — particularly the beach line and dune systems — is fundamental to the course’s character and identity.
“Protecting these natural systems from the advancing pressures of the sea is therefore critical, not only for the future of the course, but for the wider coastal environment and community who value and enjoy this landscape.
“I am delighted to see this charity established and would strongly encourage support in its work to safeguard the West Sands and the West Links for generations to come.”
Stuart Bayne, general manager of North Berwick Golf Club, added: “West Sands is a truly special place — valued by the local community, members, and visitors from around the world.
“It’s an area of the town that generates and provides so much – economically, socially and environmentally.
“The challenges we face are significant, but by working together, we can take meaningful steps to protect this landscape and ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
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