North Berwick Golf Club Hires American Gil Hanse To Polish West Links

Gil Hanse Hired By North Berwick Golf Club.

The Wandering Golfers/FORE Magazine

This week, North Berwick, the quirky, classic golf course on Scotland’s East Lothian coast with a cult-like following, announced that renowned architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner will serve as the club’s official course architects.

North Berwick Golf Club is the 13th oldest golf club in the world. Home to the original Redan hole, copied worldwide and the Pit hole with an ancient wall running in front of the green, North Berwick West Links is beloved by golf course architect junkies and players alike for its quirky and fun layout.

Hanse has stated that he will not be making any major changes to the venerable links course, currently ranked as the 25th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. Of the work, which is slated to begin in 2026, Hanse has stated his plan saying they are looking for ways to “polish the West Links to be the best version of itself, ensuring continuity year on year through minor refinements.”

With an impressive resume of courses restored, such as Oakmont, Merion, Los Angeles Country Club among others in the United States, Hanse has also done work in Scotland before, at Castle Stuart and Craighead Links. With this reputation, North Berwick felt he was the ideal partner for this project. “We are delighted to welcome Gil Hanse,” said Stuart Bayne, general manager at The North Berwick Golf Club in the Scotsman. “His unparalleled expertise and deep respect for tradition make him the perfect partner to preserve and elevate one of the world’s most historic and iconic courses.”

Established in 1832, North Berwick West Links has a unique place in golf history as it is important both for its tournament history and architectural elements copied around the globe.

“We are delighted and honored to have been selected to provide architectural guidance in the form of a master plan for the North Berwick West Links.” Hanse said. “The West Links is one of the most consequential golf courses in the history of golf course architecture. It has provided guidance and inspiration to nearly every person who has ever practiced our craft. We are excited to learn as much as possible about the roots of the course, and use this research to inform our recommendations for the master plan.”

The West Links has become a magnet in recent years for professional golfers during the Genesis Scottish Open at nearby Renaissance Club. Players such as Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth have enjoyed the quirkiness and unique aspects of the famous links course. The 13th hole, also known as the Pit, has caught the attention of many for its ancient stone wall that runs in front of the green. Many players over the years have been stopped by this wall, and even the best in the world want to take their turn getting over or around the stone structure.

The main concern for Hanse and the North Berwick Golf Club is coastal erosion. With six holes that play along the Firth of Forth, the club has done some work over the years to fortify parts of the course, but other areas still remain very vulnerable to erosion. According to the club, Hanse and Wagner will help guide “robust contingency measures to mitigate future risks from the advancing sea,” while preserving the unique elements that have made the course so cherished.

Mike is a founding member of Break80 Golf and a contributing golf and sports writer for Forbes with PGA Tour and LIV Golf media credentials.