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DUNBAR
GOLF CLUB
Dunbar
East Lothian
Scotland |
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FOUNDED: |
1856 |
DESIGNER: |
Old Tom Morris |
CHAMPIONSHIP
LENGTH: |
6,404
yards |
PAR: |
71 |
SSS
(Course Rating): |
71 |
TYPE: |
Links
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Dunbar East Links is another one of Scotland's lesser-known
links gems. Situated 30 miles from Edinburgh, the golf course is laid
out on the very land where Oliver Cromwell camped prior to the Battle
of Dunbar in 1650. In 1794, a group of local gentlemen formed the Dunbar
Golfing Society and played over a course called Westbarns adjacent to
the town. Support for the society however, declined over the years and
it was not until 1856, following a meeting in the Town Hall, that Dunbar
Golf Club was formed.
Situated
on the estuary of the Firth of Forth, Dunbar East Links presents a combination
of links and inland turf, set on a narrow stretch of land, which follows
the natural contours of the coastline. The 9th through 12th holes are
among the most testing on the course but the closing stretch, with the
rocky beach more than willing to accommodate even the mildest slice, can
often conspire to ruin an otherwise good score. That the course has hosted
many prestigious events and is one of the recognised qualifying venues
for the British Open bears testament to the quality of Dunbar Golf Links.
The word "breathtaking" is a commonly overused term when speaking
of golf courses but it really is not easy to imagine any stretch of holes
with lovelier views than those offered by Dunbar. The North Sea in all
it glory, is a constant companion throughout, while with the majestic
coastline, the Isle of May, Bass Rock and the distant outline of Fife
all vying for our attention, the golfer is often distracted from the task
at hand.
Renowned
for its welcoming atmosphere, playing at Dunbar East Links is an experience
that is not soon forgotten. The course may not be as well known as many
of its famous counterparts but Dunbar is a worthy addition to any golfing
itinerary. Nestling between ancient stone walls and the sea, Dunbar Golf
Links is a vision of golfing enjoyment that is often imagined but rarely
fulfilled.
RECOMMENDED
NEARBY ACCOMMODATION:
Marine Hotel North Berwick (15
minutes), Balmoral Hotel (40
minutes), Greywalls (30 minutes),
Sheraton Grand (40 minutes)
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