Is North Berwick a Top 100 course?

[Anthony Gray]

 ?

[PCCraig]

?

[Philippe Binette]

If golf is supposed to be fun... it's a TOP 10.

Simple question: would you play it for the rest of your life ? (I'd say yes)

[Cory Lewis]

I have it in my top 20, so absolutely yes.

[Evan Fleisher]

If golf is supposed to be fun... it's a TOP 10.

Simple question: would you play it for the rest of your life ? (I'd say yes)

Yes.

[John_Cullum]

Probably not

[Sean_A]

I think it is in the conversation for top 100.  Whether or not it tops out many of the equally good courses for that 90 (or whatever spot) spot is irrelevant.  The course is great and unique.  Not many courses can claim this. 

Ciao 

[Tom_Doak]

I used to think the answer was no, and wouldn't vote for it when I voted on top-100 lists, because it's so easy for good players.  Heck, it's pretty easy for me.

I changed my mind after we worked at The Renaissance Club, and I played the course that much more.  I played with a bunch of good players, and saw that they faced quite a few challenging shots every time out, and saw that everyone had terrific fun playing together.  I came around to the belief that if there is room in the top 100 for a course like Pine Valley, which is the opposite end of the playability spectrum (unplayable for 20-handicaps), there ought to be room for a course like North Berwick, too.

Of course, if someone wants to define their top 100 list as testing the best players in the world, then North Berwick probably wouldn't belong on that list.  Short of that, I think it definitely belongs.

[Robert Thompson]

I think there is little doubt that it warrants a spot. Yes, there are some odd holes -- like the first and the 18th -- but I'd argue stuff like Maidstone has some really bland elements as well, and it gets in. NB's highlights are so beyond most courses that it surely warrants a selection.

[Sean Leary]

If NB was on Cape Cod, would it be Top 100 world? How much does it being where it is affect it? Honest question.

I love it and think its Top 100. But I think Eastward Ho! is similar in quality but EH will never make a Top 100 world list.

[Jeff Taylor]

Without a standard for the list, yes it gets in.
I played it and loved it. What more of a standard do you need?

[jeffwarne]

yes

I can't comprehend that there's even a question.
great holes
unique
scenery
links
fun
template

The other Top 100 thread made me look up Golf Digests most recent list(first time in many years)
Shocked at how many had fallen off the list, and how busy Fazio has been
Also interesting to me that nearly every Top 100 course I had played, was BEFORE I really knew anything about the great variety of resources to research all the great gems out there. (many of which are located or linked right here on GCA)
So many people use GD Top 100 lists as a starting point when they plan a trip.

As they become more sophisticated and aware, they probably rely less on lists, with other tools at their disposal.

I'm just hoping some of my real favorites never get on the list

In fact, I'd like to change my vote on North Berwick -too fun to be any good

[Bill_McBride]

I think there is little doubt that it warrants a spot. Yes, there are some odd holes -- like the first and the 18th -- but I'd argue stuff like Maidstone has some really bland elements as well, and it gets in. NB's highlights are so beyond most courses that it surely warrants a selection.

Robert, if you think #1 is bland, you've obviously never blocked a wedge onto the rocks to the right!      Danger lurks....

[Anthony Gray]

    The first tee box is seldom talked about but it is second only to TOC for me. Its a course that never gets old.

[jeffwarne]

If NB was on Cape Cod, would it be Top 100 world? How much does it being where it is affect it? Honest question.

I love it and think its Top 100. But I think Eastward Ho! is similar in quality but EH will never make a Top 100 world list.

Why not?
Those lists (and people's tastes) do change

If EH had NB's Unaccompanied policy maybe it would be on the list

[Mike Nuzzo]

Yes - by my criteria
I would not go back to Scotland without playing North Berwick again

I would not repeat The New Course or Kingsbarns - which were both excellent - because I have yet to visit Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Turnberry, Renaissance or Murfield

Have you ever played there Anthony?
If not I wish you would have had the chance.
I got to play with my pop and Rihc
Very, very fun

Cheers

[Brian Freeman]

Absolutely, without question.  The course stands on its own, but one could argue it deserves a spot simply for some of the template holes it has inspired at other courses.

[Anthony Gray]

Yes - by my criteria
I would not go back to Scotland without playing North Berwick again

I would not repeat The New Course or Kingsbarns - which were both excellent - because I have yet to visit Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Turnberry, Renaissance or Murfield

Have you ever played there Anthony?
If not I wish you would have had the chance.
I got to play with my pop and Rihc
Very, very fun

Cheers

  I've played it once and regreted not playing it on my trips earlier Mike. I found it to offer a little of everything. For me it is one of those courses I would pick to play if I had only one course to play. Castle Stuart would fit into that catagory also.

 Anthony

[Jud_T]

Probably the course that I'm most bummed about having missed when I was in the hood.

[Bill McKinley]

Golf Magazine ranks it #89 in the 2011 rankings, it was 93 in 2009 for whatever that's worth.

But, I would say that, not having played it, but played many of the greats in Scotland, it should be in the "Top 100."  Purely on influence alone. JMO

[Jackson C]

Absolutely, without question.  The course stands on its own, but one could argue it deserves a spot simply for some of the template holes it has inspired at other courses.

I agree with this.  Berwick is a special experience for those that appreciate the history of golf.
And it is really fun.  Tough combination to beat.

[Bill_McBride]

Absolutely, without question.  The course stands on its own, but one could argue it deserves a spot simply for some of the template holes it has inspired at other courses.

Brian, which hole beyond the Redan do you see as a template?

[JNC Lyon]

Is North Berwick a Top 100 course?

Can you make a shoe smell?

[David Kelly]

Regardless of the criteria, if you eliminated all the golf courses on the planet until you only had 100 left would you want one of those remaining courses to be North Berwick?  Yes.

[Kin Britton]

Not a doubt in my mind.  We played on our first trip to Scotland and go out of our way to play whenever possible.  As good as the golf course is, the club and town are just as good.  Has everything you want.

[Tags:]

Tags: