A new master plan for the West Links at North Berwick Golf Club in East Lothian, Scotland, will prioritise sustainability, while also focusing on restoring key features and maintaining the course’s unique character.
The club has retained golf course architect Gil Hanse, who will begin developing the plan in 2026. “The West Links is one of the most consequential golf courses in the history of golf course architecture,” said Hanse. “It has provided guidance and inspiration to nearly every person who has ever practiced our craft. We are excited to learn as much as possible about the roots of the course, and use this research to inform our recommendations for the master plan. We appreciate the trust that the stewards of the links have put in us to create a plan that will honour the traditions of the links, and prepare it for the future with respect to the game and the environment.”
From left, Martyn Huish, head of golf at North Berwick, Gil Hanse, course manager Kyle Cruickshank and general manager Stuart Bayne (Image: The North Berwick Golf Club)
Stuart Bayne, General Manager at North Berwick, said: “The Master Plan will identify ways to polish the West Links to be the best version of itself, ensuring continuity year on year through minor refinements. While significant changes are not anticipated, a key priority will be addressing the challenges of coastal erosion. This includes implementing robust contingency measures alongside our existing engineering projects to mitigate future risks from the advancing sea”.
The famous Gate sixteenth hole at North Berwick. Hanse describes the West Links as ‘one of the most consequential golf courses in the history of golf course architecture’ (Image: GCA)
Hanse was selected after what the club describes as “a rigorous selection process, including on-course evaluations and consultations with leading architects” and his team will work closely with course manager Kyle Cruickshank, with additional input from a select group of members.
Professional golfer Catriona Matthew, who won the Women’s British Open in 2009 and was twice a Solheim Cup captain, is an honorary life member of the club, and said: “Having played numerous courses designed and restored by Gil, from the completely new design in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics to the renovation of Waverley Country Club for the US Senior Women’s Open, and the thoughtful long-term enhancement plans at Sunningdale, I have no doubt he will bring the vision and expertise needed to guide North Berwick. His approach ensures a cohesive, long-term strategy to polish and refine our course, delivering continuity and a collaborative plan for many years to come.”
A key priority of the work will be addressing the challenges of coastal erosion (Image: GCA)