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| Haddington |
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Haddington Golf Club © 2006, Richard & Mary-Alice Founded in 1865, Haddington Golf Club is an undulating parkland course set in 130 acres by the River Tyne. Their brochure says "it's a test for all levels of golf." Although the golf course is an okay layout and well cared for, it is definitely not a test for a low-handicap golfer--much too easy with wide, wide fairways, flat greens, and puny rough.
The course is tree-lined and bunkered, but not overly hilly, so 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. However, I don't feel the changes added significant difficulty to the golf course, seeming more cosmetic than strategic.. The golf course seemed a bit boring to me. There are few memorable holes. In fact, 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 289 yards long. 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. 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 is a beautiful golf course and, if you're tired of the links courses beating you up, you can give this one a try. At only £21 it's an okay value. The Golf Nook rating -- OK Greens Fees: Weekdays: 18 holes - £21, Day ticket - £31 Weekends: 18 holes - £28, Day ticket - £39 Trolley: £2 Buggy: 18 holes - £15 / all day - £25 SCORECARD -
White: par 71, SSS 70 Yellow: par 71, SSS 69 Red: par 73, SSS 73 Miscellaneous notes -- 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. Clubhouse facilities including changing area and showers are available for visitors, both men and women. In addition, bar food is available. The yardage book is terrific--small enough to easily fit into any pocket and chock full of information like specific distances from many trees and traps. In addition, it tells you how to play the hole and what to watch out for. One of the best I've seen. There's a pretty good bar/restaurant area filled with very friendly people. Try to take time after your round to go in and have a drink or a bit of food. You could very well make a few friends when you do. Directions: 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. Pro: John Sandlands Secretary: S. Wilson Haddington Golf Club Amisfield Park, Haddington East Lothian EH41 4PT Scotland Tel: (0) 1620 822727 Fax: " 862580 Website: www.haddingtongolf.co.uk Email: info@haddingtongolf.co.uk ___________________________________________________ What To Do All Day Haddington 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 |
