North Berwick has a great collection of par-3s, so distinguishing the best one is a tough task. But I've whittled it down, and think the best 3 at NB is...hole number 7!
What's that? Hole 7 isn't a par 3? Oh, apologies, I meant hole 7 on the Kid's Course!!!
Having walked the short course a few times, I'm convinced that the 7th hole, St Andrews, might just be the best par 3 on the property.
It plays parallel to Redan, with the prevailing wind helping, which makes its design all the more perfect. At 94 yards, you might think it's a push over, but looks can be deceiving.
Standing on the tee, one can just make out the top of the flag, which sits semi-blind behind a natural ridge that runs at an angle to the line of play right in front of the green.
The green sits on the other side of the ridge, and as you can see, everything feeds from left to right.
There is a lone bunker (I believe the only bunker on the entire course!) that sits at the back of the green, ready to gobble up shots that either fly the ridge with not enough spin, or for those running shots that are too aggressive.
It feels that there are a number of ways to play this, with everything from a putter to a 5iron, to a wedge.
What excitement one feels as they take into account the wind, ground firmness and pin position; play the shot, and then run up the hill to see where the ball lies.
Not only is it a blast to play, but I do think it's unique to any par-3 I've seen on so called 'big' courses. I hope that next time you're visiting North Berwick, you will have a look across at St Andrews and study one of the best holes in the town
