When Storm Babet rolled through the UK and Europe in late 2023, one of the biggest storms to hit the area this century, most golfers simply chose to stay indoors. However, for many courses, the damage and fallout couldn’t be avoided.
North Berwick Golf Club, on the east coast of Scotland, was one of the courses that felt the impact. Built along the Firth of Forth, with seven holes bordering the rugged coastline, the damage was noticeable.
Areas by the third tee and 14th green saw noticeable damage and land loss, and it was clear that, beyond cleaning up the damage of the storm, some considerable work was needed to protect the coast from future damage.
Enter Gil Hanse. Late last year, the club announced it was hiring the US course architect to “polish and protect” the links. The polish refers to some restoration work and small tweaks on the course to “preserve the character and integrity” of the links that date back to 1832. The “protect” refers more to combatting the impact of coastal erosion and the damage course by Storm Babet.
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Earlier this year, the diggers arrived and that work began.
Eight weeks of work to install new defences along the coastline, specifically on the second and third hole at North Berwick, were completed and more work on the 13th and 14th holes is due to begin in the coming weeks.
To further ensure the protection of the coastline, a new charity has been launched. The North Berwick West Sands Coastal Erosion Charity has been established to support efforts to protect the West Sands, preserve the golf course, and safeguard the area in general for future generations.
“West Sands is a truly special place,” Stuart Bayne, general manager of The North Berwick Golf Club, said. “It’s valued by the local community, members and visitors from around the world. It’s an area of the town that generates and provides so much – economically, socially and environmentally. The challenges we face are significant, but by working together, we can take meaningful steps to protect this landscape and ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Collaboration with local authorities has already begun, including environmental specialists and stakeholders. Individuals, businesses, and organisations are now being invited to get involved – whether by supporting the charity through donations, partnerships, or helping to raise awareness of the issue.
For more information, visit the website here.
