Scotia in December

[JJShanley]

Has anyone played the likes of Gullane or North Berwick during the winter? I grew up in Edinburgh but now live in the U.S. I never played Gullane#1 or North Berwick during my time as a junior (Boys Opens offered the opportunity to play such courses for under $10!) but I fancy a game when I go home for Christmas. It is worth my while, or should I save up to play there during the summer months?

[HoffTTM]

Might as well play them, all of them are very playable during the winter. It probably depends on whether they use mats or not. If you still have connections in the area the members guest rate is likely to be extremely low. The West Links at North Berwick is one of the very best courses in the country.

[BDoubleG]

Yes, I just moved back to Canada after living in Edinburgh for 2 years. I never got around to playing Gullane #1, but I played #2 and Berwick in the winter, and they were definitely both very playable.

[JJShanley]

I have no connections at either club, but I'd pay the GBP52 to play Gullane. Will also play Craigielaw with my father.

[HoffTTM]

Just be careful of fairway mats, North Berwick is 35 quid after Dec 23rd

[duffer987]

[quote name='HoffTTM' timestamp='1410359174' post='10094989']
Just be careful of fairway mats, North Berwick is 35 quid after Dec 23rd
[/quote]

Bingo. Something to watch out for with all of them really. Would be best to ring them or check their websites.
This from the North Berwick 2012 Spring newsletter, yes a few years old but still:

"The course has wintered well with the use of mats for all fairway and semi-rough shots..."

Edit: Actually it says it right on their rates sheet: http://www.northberwickgolfclub.com/filerepository%5CGreen%20Fees%5CGreen_Fees_Table_2014.pdf

[JJShanley]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1410418400' post='10099739']
[quote name='HoffTTM' timestamp='1410359174' post='10094989']
Just be careful of fairway mats, North Berwick is 35 quid after Dec 23rd
[/quote]

Bingo. Something to watch out for with all of them really. Would be best to ring them or check their websites.
This from the North Berwick 2012 Spring newsletter, yes a few years old but still:

"The course has wintered well with the use of mats for all fairway and semi-rough shots..."

Edit: Actually it says it right on their rates sheet: [url="http://www.northberwickgolfclub.com/filerepository%5CGreen%20Fees%5CGreen_Fees_Table_2014.pdf"]http://www.northberw..._Table_2014.pdf[/url]
[/quote]

It looks like Gullane doesn't use mats, probably because they spread out their golf on three courses, which probably helps reduce wear and tear.

[HoffTTM]

If I recall correctly from a university match a few years ago they didn't use them on the No.2 course