EIGCA 2015 Annual Meeting & Conference – registration now open

GOLF

The President’s Cup will again be staged over 36 holes and this year we are fortunate to be able to hold the tournament on two of Scotland’s historic links courses, North Berwick and Gullane No. 2.

The North Berwick Golf Club
“Even in the glittering array of Scotland’s seaside golf courses, North Berwick’s West Links stands out as a rare gem. It has taken a long time to evolve to its present state of excellence, but it has been time well spent.” www.northberwickgolfclub.com

People have been playing golf on the West Links since the 17th century and North Berwick Golf Club was founded in 1832. It has hosted many of the legendary challenge matches, both Gentlemen and Ladies Amateur Championships, and for many years has been a Final Qualifying venue for The Open Championship, when held at nearby Muirfield, most recently in 2013.

Winding its way along the Firth of Forth, there are breath-taking views of the islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra and of the town of North Berwick as well. The course includes a wonderful collection of holes, many of which have been replicated all over the world, the most notable of which is the 15th (‘Redan’- a military term meaning ‘guarding the parapet’).

Gullane Golf Club www.gullanegolfclub.com
Gullane Golf Club was established in 1882 although golf has been played over Gullane links for more than 350 years. There are three courses, simply known by number reflecting their age: No. 1 (1884), No. 2 (1898) and No. 3 (1910).

We are playing Gullane No. 2 which was laid out by Willie Park Jr. At 6,385 yards, this course is shorter than its older sibling but provides an equally stern test as it proved during final qualifying for the Open Championship in 1980 and the Millennium Seniors Open Amateur Championship. Gullane will also host the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open over a composite course of Gullane No. 1 and No. 2.

Running alongside No. 1 for the first seven holes, No. 2 sweeps down to a nature reserve next to Aberlady Bay before turning back towards home and the Visitors’ Clubhouse. With challenge and charm in equal doses, No. 2 is a favourite with those who enjoy their golf with a twist in its tail.

VENUE

Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/marine
The Marine Hotel dates back to the 19th century and is renowned for its wonderful architecture as well as its special coastal position overlooking the Firth of Forth and of course the North Berwick Golf Club, just over the hotel wall.

As well as extensive conference facilities, the Marine Hotel has 83 unique bedrooms and is part of ‘The Macdonald Hotels’ Signature Collection – a world of four star luxury’.

The nearest airport is Edinburgh which is served by many scheduled and budget airlines. There are then various options you can take to get to North Berwick which is about 50km away:

Public transport – there is an Airlink 100 bus from Edinburgh Airport to Waverley Train Station where trains run to North Berwick every half hour. The hotel is then about 10 minutes’ walk from the station (nb there isn’t a taxi rank at North Berwick).

Taxi – a taxi takes approx. 50 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.
If you book with Muirfield Chauffeur Co. + 44 (0) 800 130 3222 bookings@muirfieldchauffeur.com www.muirfieldchauffeur.com
and quote ‘EIGCA’ they will give you a discounted rate of £55 each way for a taxi or £65 each way for a minibus.
Taxi – Mercedes Viano – suitable for 4 passengers with clubs and luggage
Minibus – Mercedes Sprinter – suitable for 8 passengers with clubs and luggage
Nearer the time, when I have people’s travel details, I will try to put you in touch with others arriving at the same time so that you can arrange to share.

Hire car – if you hire a car there is free on street parking available to the front of the hotel, as well as a complimentary car park adjacent to the hotel.

COST

Yet again we have really tried to keep costs down. Every year we discount the package prices we charge you, the members, and again this year the Council have increased the subsidy so that it is even better value for money as they feel it is very important for members to attend our key annual event.

CONFERENCE

We are overlooking the historic links of North Berwick in East Lothian, an area of Scotland that has had a huge impact on the development of the game around the globe. In recognition of the inspiration that these Scots golfing pioneers took from their golf, this year’s conference theme is “Inspired By Scottish Golf”. There will be a varied range of topics, such as North Berwick’s Children’s Course and their junior section and a discussion (which could well be heated) on green design, inspired by the infamous Biarritz green which sits immediately outside the conference hall windows.

So don’t delay. Please send us your completed booking form and we’ll see you in North Berwick next April.

Best regards
Julia