Located on the west end of Dunbar overlooking Belhaven Bay, Bass Rock and the Isle of May, Winterfield is very much the other course in town. The more famous Dunbar GC is on the east end of town.
The town council gained control of 70 plus acres of the Winterfield Estate in 1935 and built an 18 course on the property. A new course was fashioned after WWII which substantially altered the front nine, but it is thought much of the back nine is as was originally designed. The club has recently decided to take over the management of the course and house from the East Lothian Council and recently signed a long-term agreement to this effect. The house, called St Margaret’s after AK Keith’s mother for whom he had the house built is included in the deal. Originally villas were meant to line the coast, but only the one was built. I believe the much less grand original clubhouse still stands across the street from the entrance. Hence the reason for altering the front nine when St Margaret’s was initially used as the house. One can only surmise as to the quality of the original front nine; presumably it was better than the current version.
The opening hole, what can be written? If there are annuls kept on matters such as outrageous par 3s, Whelkie Haugh should most certainly be prominently included. What this term means surely includes laughing. The hole is about 225 yards played over a haugh (low lying meadow) to a green on high ground the other side. The hole earns an A for audacity and an F for foulness. I looked at the card at this point. Winterfield is about 5000 yards, however, there are 8 short holes and only two are under 190 yards! Did I mention Winterfield is a gorgeous site?
Walkers, know your place.
The green is tiny for such a demanding shot.
One of the longer two-shotters, the second is backed by a wall.
Heading back toward the 1st green, The drivable 3rd is of interest.
More to follow.
Ciao