Golf in East Lothian & Edinburgh

Dirleton

A more traditional links. Rolling dunes, gorse bushes, and billiard table like greens that host a number of subtle run offs for miscalculated shots. The course can vary in length from 5’500 yds to just under 7’000 yds depending on what tees you wish to play off. With over 60 sand traps players also need to be pretty accurate during a round here. From the 3rd you can spot the atmospheric ruins of Dirleton Castle looming in the distance. Dirleton has hosted top European professional golf. For example, The Ladies Scottish Open, Scottish Senior Open and The Paul Lawrie Matchplay.

Fidra

Like the Dirleton spans out at nearly 7’000yds. With a selection of tee boxes it is very playable for all levels of golfer. Most of the early holes are particularly defined by towering pine trees down either sides of the fairways. Consequently this can play havoc with wind direction and club selection. After navigating through the woodland area the course really opens out into a more traditional links style of play. The Fidra Links is truly an enjoyable and picturesque place to play golf in East Lothian.

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££££ – Non-Resident

Located just 3 miles from the city centre of Edinburgh you will find the 4^th oldest club in the world and one of Scotland’s most prestigious clubs. Bruntsfield was founded in 1761 and on checking in, golfers can enjoy a tour of the clubhouse showcasing the club’s historic memorabilia. The mature parkland style course was originally designed by Willie Park Jnr.

However in 2019 the new course layout was opened following an extensive re-design by the highly acclaimed golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert. This £1.2 million investments has transformed Burntsfield’s course into a Par 71, 6446 yards producing a layout worthy of the demands of the modern day golfer.

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Is one of the newer courses to Scotland’s Golf Coast, East Lothian. Even though just opened in 2001, the course has already hosted some huge tournaments. Such as the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship and The Scottish Senior Open, which was won by Gary Orr in 2018. Craigielaw measures at over 6’500 from the back tees and provides a stern test for even the longest hitters. In particular, the many cavernous bunkers and tricky tabletop greens make all players think twice about their shot selections. The club also offers great practice facilities including a grass academy practice ground and driving range. Furthermore there is a 6-hole par 3 course, a short game area and practice putting green – ideal for warming up before your round.

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East Course

Another gem created by James Braid. The course then went under renovation early 2000s and at one point boasted the longest back 9 in Europe. The Course has hasted some marquee events over the years from Scottish PGA Championships, Scottish Senior Open and The Solheim Cup. The course is a favourite for the big hitters with lengthy par 4s and 5s that allow you to open up the shoulders and bomb drivers away. A great parkland course for those looking for a challenge.

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West Course

Shorter in yardage, this course creates a great mix of golf holes and strong par 3’s requiring you to hit every club in the bag. Don’t let the shorter yardage trick you as the small greens are well protected and full of subtle slopes. The course is a favourite of golfer that are looking for a quick round. The course can also be played as 9 or even 13 holes due to the layout of the clubhouse.

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One of Scotland’s Golf Coasts unsung heros, The Glen became an 18 hole course in 1906. This cliff top golf course enjoys stunning views and allows play all year round with greens and tees always in play. The 12th is named ‘Bass Rock’ and is the ideal hole for a longest drive competition. Following on from the 12^th is the golf course’s signature 13^th ‘Sea Hole’. This blind par 3 hugs the Scottish coastline and has been compared to the likes of Pebble Beach or Cypress Point.

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Gullane No. 3

The shortest of the courses at a Par 67. In spite of its size this tricky test of golf requires strategy off every tee to negotiate the fantastic bunkering and slick greens. Designed by two time Open Champion Willie Park Jr, the course offers some of the best views of all three Gullane courses. A fun course to play for players of all abilities.

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Gullane No. 2

A par 71, at just shy of 6500 yds. It is another excellent test of golf. Also designed by the famous Willie Park Jnr the course runs alongside No. 1 for the first seven holes. It offers some fantastic views of the surrounding nature sanctuary. Gullane hosted the 2018 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open in July 2018 over a Championship composite course from Gullane No. 1 and No. 2 (holes 7 and 8 from No. 2 featured in the Championship course).

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Gullane No.1

The jewel in the golf clubs crown. Has hosted a number of Open Championship Final Qualifiers. In 2018 The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open also returned for its 2^nd time. A true test of links golf on a Par 71, with tough Par 4’s and some of the best selection of Par 3’s on any course. Particularly, the 2nd hole is one of the toughest Par 4’s you’ll likely play. At around 400 yds, you drive into a narrow fairway set at a slight dogleg to the left. After you have negotiated the tee shot you are left with a long iron or fairway wood usually into the prevailing wind to a deep/ narrow green. An exceptional golf hole to set you on your way round an equally exceptional golf course.

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Turnhouse Golf Club is situated on the west side of Edinburgh. Set across Lennie Hill, the course offers magnificent 360 degree views; to the Ochils in the north, the River Forth and Fife beyond in the east, as well as excellent views of the Pentland Hills to the south. The course itself has two loops of 9 holes starting and finishing in front of the clubhouse. James Braid redesigned the course in 1927 and today, Turnhouse Golf Club is one of the best kept and maintained courses in the area and offers golfers of all abilities, a challenging round.

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