IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SCOTLAND’S GOLF COAST MICROCLIMATE
There is the age-old adage of ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing’. It was Alfred Wainwright in his 1973 book, Coast to Coast who coined the phrase. Delving deeper into its meaning, it relates simply to being prepared. The phrase highlights the dangers of the weather. In a Scotland’s Golf Coast context, we can simply say, there is no point worrying about the weather. We’ve got our microclimate.
Be prepared!
The stunning scenery – the views, the waves, the trees, the sky, the clouds, the rainbows, the sunrises and sunsets are what make Scotland’s Golf Coast so special. As Scotland’s driest region, we can enjoy the benefits of a more settled climate. Sure, it gets cold, maybe a little breezy from time to time. It’s a question of embracing every eventuality though, as all of them offer amazing experiences. Put an extra layer in your bag, a bobble hat from your favourite course, a pair of mitts, your club’s polo shirt, comfortable socks, sunscreen, a wee hip flask, but above all, be prepared to love Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Kilspindie’s 4th green
Heading out to the par 3 1st at Kilspindie, you nervously throw a few blades of grass into the air. They fly back in your face, heading in the direction of Gullane Hill. That will be holes 2, 3 and 4 into wind. What a setting, as the water slams into the rocks from the Forth of Firth. The planes battle with the wind as they bank in the direction of Ingliston. There is no point chatting with your playing partners on these holes, they won’t hear you. Isn’t the challenge of the wind what it’s all about though on the links. And, most importantly, don’t forget, turning back with the wind, your driver threaded down the middle on the par 4 5th won’t be far away from the green. An easy birdie!
10th tee Gullane No.1
Having enjoyed the uphill 9th on Gullane No.1, the back nine beckons. You have been enjoyed another ideal day on Scotland’s Golf Coast. The wind has been benign, but the sun intense. After applying SPF50, the links await. The 10th tee provides you with the opportunity to reflect. The view across to Edinburgh, Craigielaw, Kilspindie, Gullane beach, Muirfield, North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock are to be savoured. There will be tan lines later for sure, a sight seen often with our microclimate.
Winterfield’s Par 3 14th
It’s the Bass Rock that comes into view, then goes again. Holes 14, 15 and 16 at Winterfield are arguably amongst the most underrated on the coast. Into wind, hugging the bay, 14 is as tough as it gets. Driver, or 9 iron, precision is everything. In the distance, out into the North Sea, it is a classic four seasons in one day. A rainbow appears over Fife, yet you are still in your polo shirt. Teeing off on 15, there is no Bass Rock. 15 minutes later, as you arrive on the 16th green, this beautiful white monument on the horizon mysteriously appears. Out to sea, it’s a visual masterpiece. Thankfully, the weather on our coast stays consistent, with the vagaries of the weather pushed out across the water.
Dunbar’s coastal greens
Sunrise and sunset on Scotland’s Golf Coast, are unquestionably some of the best in golf. The North Sea is calm and still, as the sun nudges above the water. At Dunbar, there is dew on the ground. The line of your putt is revealed on the 4th green. If only you had started the ball a couple of inches further right. As the sun descends, as does the light. Shadows and undulations conjure up the most enticing golf photographs. From a golfers’ perspective, the sunset may be stunning, but reading the putts can be a little tougher. A borrow hidden here, and a break there, it all adds to the challenge. It’s the perfect golf setting, no matter what time of day.
Gifford’s 9th tee
Inland, the rustle of the trees are the messages of past golfing glory. At Gifford, the white tee 9th nestles in the trees. It’s a par 5. A birdie for the win. As the wind whistles through the leaves and branches, is that a voice telling you to play for par. Be aware, once beyond the wind break, your ball is open to the elements. Yet another consideration, yet another reason to enjoy this beautiful game. The 9th comes with even more positives. Having managed to sneak in a quick few holes, a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee in the welcoming clubhouse is the prefect end to your round. It’s better to head in with the win though, isn’t it?
Our microclimate
Over the winter, we will have wrapped up. We will have taken layers off and on, and off and on again. In the summer, a cap and sunglasses are more the order of the day. Our east coast location allows us to enjoy a lot of dry weather. We can smugly glance beyond Edinburgh and across the water where the weather is far more unsettled. In the dry, we will take the time to reflect on a successful year. A year where the weather has not got in the way. Our weather has only enhanced. Be prepared to come and play on Scotland’s Golf Coast.
