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Golfing Paradise | St. Baldreds Crescent. |
This web site is in memory of my parents, Ellen & John McMaster who lived in this delightful town from 1965 to 1982 at St. Baldreds Crescent. Brief History of St. Baldreds Crescent. The land south of St. Baldreds Road & Clifford Road was occupied by the Mains Farm, which stretched to the base of Berwick Law. The town council purchased this land in the 1960's & developed Gilbert Avenue, Wishart Avenue & Cooper Avenue for council housing. They also sold off part of the farmland to private developers who then built Lady Jane Gardens, Macnair Avenue & St. Baldreds Crescent. |
| Golf Courses |
| There are two golf courses in North Berwick, namely, the West Links, & the East Links. The West Links is the championship course and a qualifier for the British Open. It is a lovely golf course where you will find David Huish, the professional, in his rather smart golf shop. (Unless he is off playing in a tournament somewhere) Do you remember David?- - - - - He led the British Open for two rounds not all that long ago. Do you also remember when Arnold Palmer played Tony Jacklin on the 15th hole (Redan) during the filming of "18 holes at 18 different courses, helicopter round?" This gave the West Links Course some extra advertising and boosted it's popularity. This 190yard par 3 has been studied and imitated by golf architects from all over the world and there are versions of this hole in America. A sad and tragic story occurred when Willie & Mungo Park played against Young & Old Tom Morris in Sept. 1875. This match ended abruptly when a telegram arrived with the news that Young Tom's wife was seriously ill after the birth of their son. A second message arrived with the news that both mother and son had died. This news was so devastating to Young Tom, triple open champion and only 25 years of age, that he died 3 months later. However I would like to concentrate on the East Links Course. This course is situated in a lovely picturesque setting and is not so expensive to play as the West. I would certainly recommend any prospective visitor to play this lovely golf course. |
| Short History of East Links Golf Course. |
| This 18 hole course was opened in July 1907. To celebrate the opening of the new course an anonymous donor gifted 300 guineas towards prizes for a professional golf tournament. This was played over the East Links in July 1909. The field included five open champions, namely, J.H.Taylor, Armand Massey, Sandy Herd, Harry Vardon, Willie Auchterlonie and two future champions in Ted Ray and George Duncan Among the local professionals were Ben Sayers, Willie Watt, David & Andrew Grant, James Souter, Ben Sayers (Jun) & Robert Thomson. The winner was George Duncan with a four round total of 290 including a brilliant 70 in the third round which set a new course record. For his efforts Duncan received £125 which was the largest sum ever offered for a first prize in a professional tournament. Sandy Herd was runner up and third place went to Harry Vardon. Since then the East Links has changed very little and offers lovely views across the firth of forth with the famous Bass Rock taking "pride of place" Tantallon Castle can also be seen from the 8th tee. Before closing this brief history of the East Links, mention must be made of the par 3 13th hole with it's elevated tee and partially hidden green. This hole is at sea level and is a beauty. Club selection can be difficult depending on which way the wind is blowing or not blowing. The closing holes give panoramic views of the town, harbour and beaches, and, if the golf is bad, this helps to compensate the visit, to a certain extent. The 18th tee is situated on a plateau, with the fairway dropping away some 80 ft. below, with the beach to the right, and has ruined many a score. The 19th hole is very much appreciated, as is the welcome from the steward and members. Having played this course and the West Links I would certainly recommend any prospective visitor to do likewise. |
 Bye-Bye and Best Wishes |
To all my friends in North Berwick and good luck to all visiting golfers. Alex.McMaster, 18th August 2003 |
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a.mcmaster@blueyonder.co.uk |
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| Visitors: 00462 |