This club is famous for…being Britain’s most scenic course?
Bold claim this, but from which other course in this fair isles can you see four castles on a good day?
Bamburgh Castle may well be one of the most beautiful courses in Britain – never mind Northumberland.
With views of Lindisfarne, the Farne Islands, the Cheviots and, naturally, Bamburgh Castle itself, it’s a pretty stunning links track to play.
Stand on the 14th tee and you can bask in an exhilarating view of the sea on three sides, alongside miles and miles of unspoiled beaches.
The castle, the core of which dates back to Norman times, has a history that dates back to the 5th century. It’s more famous these days for its depiction on screen.
Ivanhoe, El Cid, Elizabeth and the latest incarnation of Macbeth are among the blockbusters that have used the castle and its grounds for filming.
But even those illustrious feats take second billing to the course, which isn’t just stunning to look at. It’s fun to play.
I can’t think of two many layouts that start with back-to-back par 3s and followed immediately by two par 5s.
You’ll hear the usual things about a par 68 that’s 5,645 yards off the back tees. Don’t listen. Thought provoking and fun, there are six par 3s in all, and you’d hope to celebrate a clutch of birdies.
Wander off the beaten track, though, and trouble awaits.
Take the 17th, for example. At 257 yards off the back tees, this par 4 is as much about keeping it in play as entertaining thoughts of driving the green.
Played from an elevated tee – a lot of the holes are but why wouldn’t you show off the views? – you have to negotiate a path between out of bounds tight down the right and a small mountain on the left.
The charm doesn’t end on the course. The century old clubhouse has a wood panelled bar and, of course, those epic views of Lindisfarne.
Bamburgh Castle is a true links experience that must be enjoyed.
This club is famous for… being the world’s greenest course?
This club is famous for… a very, very, old trophy
This club is famous for… the Hitler tree
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
