Hugh Dodd
Perfection, North Berwick
Perfection, North Berwick, oil on canvas, 36" x 48"
North Berwick, with its splendidly kept course and wonderful views over the Firth of Forth to Fidra and the Bass Rock, has for generations delighted golfers from around the world. Right throughout its history Archdukes, Princes, and Kings have regularly joined with statesmen, politicians and explorers to play and local golfers, such as the famous teacher and club maker Ben Sayers, welcomed them all. The course starts out at the heart of the town and weaves its way along the Forth into the wind and back. On the return are the two most notable holes 'Perfection', the 14th with the sea seemingly too close to the green for comfort, and 'Redan' raised high, and ringed by deep bunkers. Copies of these holes have been lovingly recreated at the National Golf Links of America.