83. The Renaissance Club: Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16

The Renaissance Club in Scotland has been ranked number 83 in Golf Monthly’s top 100 UK & Ireland golf courses 2015/16.

83. The Renaissance Club: Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16

Cowden Hill Drive, Dirleton, North Berwick, EH39 5HS

T: 01620 850901

W: trcaa.com

GF: £250 for the 18-hole ‘One Time Experience’ – stay and play package available

Architect: Tom Doak

Visitor Information: All week subject to availability, best days Monday to Thursday

Catering Options: Full Clubhouse Menu with all-day dining - special menus available on request

2012 Ranking: Up 3

Work Undertaken since 2012 ranking: New 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th & 15th holes built and brought into play – the original 1st, 2nd & 3rd have now become practice holes. The 4th has become the 1st and a new tee and putting green complex has been replicated as per the old routing. The north practice tee has been extended to enable practising from the turf

Designed by renowned American architect Tom Doak, the course at the Renaissance Club was opened for play in 2008. Sitting next door to Muirfield on the Lothian coast, the course is clearly in prime golfing country.

The layout delivers an interesting blend of links and inland golf. Many of the holes are carved through a pine forest, although the layout forges out towards the Firth of Forth around the turn and it’s this stretch that possesses the track’s most memorable holes.

Very little earth was moved in the creation of this course and it has a natural feel. Trees had to be felled, but many were left in key spots in order to enhance the strategic test.

Also left were dry stone dykes that cross the fairways at various points: attractive and distinctive hazards.

This is a course that was built with the prospect of hosting significant top-level events. As such, it can be stretched to over 7,300 yards from the back pegs. But mere golfing mortals need not fear, as there are teeing options right down to 5,500 yards.

Most who play here tend to choose a mixture of different tees during a round, depending on the conditions and how brave they’re feeling!

+ Interesting blend of wooded and coastal holes

– ‘One Time Experience’ is rather expensive

Panellist comments

“Tom Doak’s first endeavour in Scotland is a success, and there are plenty of holes to get the blood pumping.”

“Guests at The Renaissance Club are made to feel very welcome and it seems the type of place where no request is out of sorts.”

Next course: 84. K Club (Palmer Ryder Cup): Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16