Type of course? Links.
Pleasant staff? Again, no pro shop. Is it a Northern thing? Again, efficient and nice service from the ladies behind the bar.
Best hole? The 13th par 3. It’s not really about the hole, but more about the view you get from the tee of the impressive ruins of 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle. As a backdrop to a green, it doesn’t get much more impressive. It was also quite funny to take our shot with a little crowd watching us. There’s a walking path that runs along the green and people wisely wait until you’ve played before moving on.
Après golf? An extremely satisfying bacon and roll bap outside, looking at the beach goers, surfers and golfers going about their seaside business.
Nice round? Ruined castles and golf are two of my favourite things, so mix both and I’m a happy girl. Again, the weather and the pace of play were perfect. The course follows the dunes towards the South, so you get to enjoy amazing views of Embleton Bay and of the remains of Dunstanburg Castle. The fairways and entrances to the greens are fairly tight and the dunes vegetation was dense, with beautiful wildflowers, so a couple of balls might have been lost (we both scored 33 points), but it made for a great challenge.
Special memory? Running to the top of the dunes alongside the 9th to see what was on the other side and discovering the beautiful Embleton Bay in all its sunny glory.
Must play again? I would love to. It’s a fun and challenging course, even without the wind. I really liked that this section of the Northumberland coast is enjoyed by many walkers, beach goers, surfers and of course golfers, everyone mixing without any apparent problem. This is a very welcoming golf course at one with its environment. Also in my top 3.
Surf’s up, golf’s up
BIG bunkers everywhere
View of the Embleton Bay and the castle
The castle. Again.
Gorgeous Embleton Bay
The amazing 13th par 3