Edinburgh: A Golfer’s Dream Come True
Edinburgh: A Golfer’s Dream Come True
Street signs may not usually catch your eye, but one on a stunning entry drive to a golf club read, “For Fox Sake Slow Down”. It seems like a humorous reminder, and it captures the spirit of a journey that one golf course architect dove into recently—a trip to Scotland that ended up changing his entire perspective on the game he loves.
The Fellowship Experience
Colton Craig, an up-and-coming golf course architect from Oklahoma, found himself on a month-long adventure through the enchanting links of Scotland, all thanks to the World 100 Architectural Fellowship. This fellowship, sponsored by the World 100 Club, was not only a professional leap for Colton, but also a heartwarming dive into his Scottish roots, given that Craig is a name steeped in Scottish history.
What is Links Golf?
To begin to understand what Colton means, we must define links golf. For many, this term can get a little fuzzy, but for him, it boils down to this: it must be played on sandy soil and be near the sea. What a lovely combo, right? You get the best materials for the best prices, as sandy soils also happen to be the go-to option for golfers.
Walking and Eating
Courses That Left a Mark
Among the courses that really left an impression on Colton, the Old Course claimed a special spot. It’s often dubbed the “Home of Golf,” and for good reason. Colton describes its layout as organic, teaching future architects that the land should dictate the design. He also loved Muirfield for its strategic design and rich history, with its clubhouse displaying the original rules of golf. The course at Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was held, showcased some of the wackiest yet interesting holes, with one player saying he still can’t figure out how to approach them after 40 years!
His personal favorite, however, turned out to be Cruden Bay—a course that dazzled with dramatic scenery and challenging holes, capturing the beauty and rawness of true links golf. Meanwhile, North Berwick was named as possibly the most charming golf course in the world—with a mix of history, tradition, and a picturesque town
A Hidden Gem
One unexpected highlight came from a last-minute detour to Covesea. Colton hadn’t planned to visit this course, but a roadside sign caught his eye. This laid-back 9-hole course became a delightful surprise, a hidden gem that often gets overlooked.