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| Home Scottish Links Golf The Basics Detailed information AFSD - how to determine the real length of a golf course Helpful Websites Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay... Ayrshire Royal Troon, Turnberry, Prestwick... Just east of Edinburgh Scotland's Golf Coast Castle Park Craigielaw Dunbar Gifford Glen Gullane Haddington Kilspindie Longniddry Luffness New Muirfield Musselburgh Musselburgh Links North Berwick Royal Musselburgh Whitekirk Winterfield Northern Highlands Royal Dornoch, Brora, Nairn... St. Andrews area Other golf courses Machrihanish, Pitlochry... Links Lite Great links golf for everyone Donate What others say |
Haddington Golf Club ©
Founded in 1865, Haddington Golf Club is
an undulating parkland golf course set in
130 acres by the River Tyne. Their brochure
announces "it's a test for all levels
of golf." Of course each golfer must
judge for him or herself. As for me? I'm
a mid-handicapper, so every golf course is
testing.
The course is tree-lined and bunkered, but not overly hilly, so it's very easy to walk. (Good news for those not in shape and those with knees suffering the ravages of early years of football or rugby.) In 2002 they made a number of modifications and improvements, including new bunkers and more water hazards in the form of three new ponds. Also, the clubhouse was refurbished. I've been told by Ken Laidlaw, one of the members, that visitors are unanimous in their praise. The front nine is pretty much back and forth par fours with only one par 3 to break the trend. One of the par fours is only 269 yards long from the gent's tee. If it were a severe dogleg or if there were strategically placed bunkers it could be acceptable, but it's a straight-ahead shot with only two bunkers at either edge of a very wide fairway--a very easy hole. If the tee were moved up 60 or 70 yards or so it would make a good par 3. I feel it's a rather poor excuse for a par 4 and I suspect they made it a par 4 so the golf course could have a par of 71.
The course was in pretty good shape when I played it. The greens were suffering from some affliction but not enough to make them unacceptable. It certainly is a beautiful golf course and, if you're tired of the links courses beating you up, you can give this one a try. It's reasonably priced and after playing some of the expensive links courses in the area, this would be a good change of pace for your wallet and your handicap. Unlike so many Scottish golf courses, Haddington does have a practice area so you can warm up before a round. That's a real bonus. The course is situated on the east side of the town of Haddington within Amisfield Park estate. Watch for signs on Haddington's Market Street. It is only 20 miles from Edinburgh and about 20 minutes from North Berwick. Golf Nook Scotland rating -- PAR www.haddingtongolf.co.uk ___________________________________________________ Mary-Alice sugggests ... What to do all day around HaddingtonHaddington is the county seat of East Lothian. One of the best preserved 18th Century towns in Scotland, Haddington was sacked and burned on several occasions. But in quieter times this was the popular residence of kings.John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian Church, was born here in 1502. The old town is fun to walk about in, with it's green spaces and delightful courtyards and hidden alleyways. Haddington is one of only 50 towns in Britain to merit the prestigious Council of British Archeology Stamp of Approval, and the Council lists 129 buildings (!) of special interest in the town. Haddington, a favorite browsing place for us, has art galleries, the wonderful and historic St. Mary's Church (which holds excellent concerts), and a large Tesco (supermarket) tucked in just behind the high street of the town centre. A good place to spend the day. The golf course is very close to the town centre. Everything is easy to find. Park and walk once you are in the town centre. On the outskirts of town - Lennoxlove House - historic home of the Duke of Hamilton. Set in 460 acres of beautiful parkland, this splendid place is an actual residence that you can visit and that is a frequent location for weddings and other significant events. On the B6368 in the direction of Gifford, just a couple of minutes from the town centre of Haddington. Tel/ (0)1620 823720 www.lennoxlove.com |
