Goswick Golf Club and Lindisfarne too

Always one of my favourites even if I have a natural loathing for the first hole which always suckers me in.  There is nothing ridiculously difficult which a half competent golfer cannot contend.  Just don’t go in the trees, don’t be shy with your approach and don’t misread the return putt.  Simples as some inanimate object once said.  Not.

If you don’t compound things on the lovely second you can start to enjoy the holes as you work your way towards Berwick, high on the dunes.  Great rollercoaster holes of pure links golf that do not overcomplicate the game but challenge you squarely.  I love the par 5 sixth to its furthermost green.

The following holes through 11 have the natural disadvantage of running on the inland side of the course but good exemplars all of links golf.  12 through 15 make you think and 16 & 17 stretch you out again for an intriguing closing hole.  18: A short par 4, stroke index 18, downhill from an elevated tee, wind often behind as you fire it inland 268 yards at it’s Sunday best.  A shot to gain? A lead to preserve?  Only 9 deep bunkers to worry about.  Sure you can fly it. But…

James Braid designs rarely disappoint.  In fact the only disappointment is the loss of the James Braid’s course on Lindisfarne.  It was there between 1907 and the 1960s.  I made the Pilgrim’s Walk across to Lindisfarne at low tide (but without my clubs) and I walked the land where it is possible to detect golfing features and natural sand scrapes amidst the wild flowers and grasses.  2760 yards below great natural dunes.  As JB himself said ‘it gladdens the hearts of the players of the heroic school’… ‘proving once again how golf, of all games, is most akin to simple nature.’

Go to St Cuthbert’s Church in Kensington to see St Cuthbert himself play golf.  All revealed in stained glass.  Links golf is a heaven sent opportunity to enjoy the bounty the Lord provides.