The Glen Golf Club
A Scenic Highlight on Scotland’s Golf Coast
The Glen Golf Club: A Scenic Highlight on Scotland’s Golf Coast
The Glen Golf Club: A Scenic Highlight on Scotland’s Golf Coast
When golfers think of North Berwick, attention often turns to the world-famous West Links at North Berwick Golf Club. However, on the opposite side of the town lies the equally memorable Glen Golf Club, commonly associated with North Berwick’s “East Links.”
While the West Links is known globally for its historic design and championship reputation, the Glen Golf Club offers a different but equally rewarding experience, combining traditional links golf with elevated cliff-top terrain and wide coastal views.
For visitors staying nearby at The Open Arms Hotel, the course is only a short drive away, making it an ideal part of any East Lothian golf break itinerary.
East Links vs West Links
North Berwick offers two contrasting styles of links golf within a very small area.
West Links
West Links at North Berwick Golf Club is a traditional, historic links course played on flatter coastal ground. It is known for its classic routing and iconic features, including the famous stone wall on the 13th hole, “The Pit”. It is also home to the celebrated Redan-style par 3 concept found worldwide.
Glen Golf Club
Glen Golf Club, also known as East Links, offers a more elevated and visually dramatic layout. It combines seaside links holes with cliff-top golf overlooking the Firth of Forth and offers panoramic views across to Bass Rock and the surrounding coastline.
Rather than competing, the two courses provide complementary experiences, one historic and strategic, the other scenic and elevated.
History of the Glen Golf Club
Golf has been played in North Berwick since at least the 17th century, with the town forming part of Scotland’s earliest golfing coastline traditions.
The Glen Golf Club itself developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the natural eastern linksland was expanded into a full 18-hole layout.
The development of the course was influenced by leading figures in Scottish golf at the time, including local professional Ben Sayers and five-time Open Champion James Braid, who contributed to shaping many courses across Scotland.
Today, the course reflects that heritage, blending natural terrain with classic early-20th-century design principles focused on strategy, wind exposure, and natural shot-making.
Course Overview: Clifftop Golf with Coastal Character
The Glen Golf Club measures approximately 6,200 yards from the white tees, playing as a par 70 for men and par 73 for ladies.
While not long by modern championship standards, the course is defined by strong coastal winds, elevated greens and tees, natural run-offs and links turf conditions, and constant visual exposure to the sea.
The routing begins on lower ground before gradually moving onto higher clifftop terrain, where the most dramatic views open up across the Firth of Forth.
One of the defining visual features is the outlook toward Bass Rock, a prominent volcanic island known for its large seabird colonies and distinctive white appearance in season.
The Signature Experience: The Sea View Par 3
One of the most memorable holes on the course is the short par 3 commonly known as the “Sea Hole.”
It features an elevated tee position, a carry toward a green set near the coastline, and constant wind influence from the North Sea.
Club selection varies significantly depending on conditions, making it a true test of distance control and judgement. While relatively short in yardage, it is widely regarded as one of the standout scenic moments on the East Lothian coast.
Why Golfers Choose the Glen Golf Club
The Glen Golf Club is particularly popular with visiting golfers due to its accessibility and year-round playability.
Key advantages include a welcoming, visitor-friendly atmosphere, free-draining sandy soil typical of links golf, consistent playing conditions throughout much of the year, and a layout suitable for a wide range of playing abilities.
It offers an ideal balance: enjoyable for holiday golfers, yet still engaging for lower-handicap players due to wind exposure and strategic green placement.
Stay Nearby: The Open Arms Hotel in Dirleton
After a round at the Glen Golf Club, many visitors choose to stay at The Open Arms Hotel, located in the nearby historic village of Dirleton.
The hotel provides a peaceful base away from busier coastal towns, making it especially popular with golf travellers exploring East Lothian.
Accommodation & Relaxation
Rooms are designed for comfort and rest after long days on the links, offering a quiet countryside setting close to North Berwick and surrounding courses.
Dining Experience
The hotel restaurant focuses on seasonal Scottish produce, with an emphasis on local and regional ingredients. It is well-suited for relaxed evening dining after a day on the course.
Planning an East Lothian Golf Break
East Lothian is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s premier golf regions, with over 20 world-class courses located within a short driving distance along the coastline.
- Glen Golf Club: scenic cliff-top golf
- West Links at North Berwick: historic championship links
- Nearby courses across Scotland’s Golf Coast
This combination makes the region one of the most concentrated and accessible golf destinations in the UK.
Final Summary
The Glen Golf Club offers a distinctive North Berwick experience, less about championship pressure and more about natural coastal golf, elevation, and scenery.
Combined with a stay at The Open Arms Hotel in Dirleton, it forms part of one of Scotland’s most rewarding golf itineraries.
