The Stunning Archerfield Golf Links

Archerfield is a magnificent estate developed between Gullane and North Berwick in a very picturesque part of East Lothian. It offers magnificent views of Fidra Island and the Fife coastline. Set on five hundred acres with an exclusive club, it offers an experience quite unlike any other in Scotland.

Golf has been played in this part of Scotland for centuries and the original six-hole course that existed here was extended to thirteen holes in 1869. This 13-hole course of Archerfield House was extended to eighteen holes around 1910 with help from North Berwick professional, Ben Sayers. Unfortunately with the outbreak of World War II the estate was taken over by the army and fell into a state of disuse for over fifty years.

The estate has now been redeveloped to make place for two outstanding golf courses. Archerfield House has been beautifully restored and a luxurious club house created. The courses, the Fidra and the Dirleton have been designed by David J. Russell who has taken the natural elements into consideration and created courses with timeless appeal, offering a memorable golfing experience.

Fidra was created first and is an inviting blend of pine forests and inviting fast paced Scottish links. It lies between the 8th hole of Muirfield and ninth hole of North Berwick In such exalted company a new course must meet their exacting standards. Extending over 7000 yards it is a formidable par 72 featuring four sets of tees to cater for varying levels of expertise.

The greens are wide and receptive but tricky with subtle burrows in their contouring. The early holes are secluded from the rest by pines. The links aspect of the course is obvious after the 12th hole. In fact it like playing on a different course altogether, as the trees disappear and the tricky bunkering gets into the play. The course meanders towards the beach and offers commanding views of the Bass Rock, Firth of Forth and the coast of Fife.

Several of the greens at Archerfield Golf Club are tucked away in secluded corners and the contrasting terrain offers a challenge for all levels of golfers on this links course. The newer Dirleton course is a more traditional Scottish links. Its sweeping fairways are bordered by undulating sand dunes and deep bunkers that trap the unwary.

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