Best golf courses in Edinburgh

As far as history goes, entering the grounds to the world’s oldest golf club is a sure-fire way to experience the pinnacle of golf. Considered by many top professionals as the fairest Open Championship course around, it is clear as to why this 7,192-yard 21st-century challenge has such a profound reputation. Host to an incredible 15 Opens, the course layout is what can only be described as a masterpiece. If you are attempting to play the best courses in the World, let alone East Lothian, then Muirfield should definitely be on your list.

Blessed with an incredible sea view over to Craigleith Island and Bass Rock, the West Links certainly delivers. Step into the origins of golf and walk the 1832 fairways, the third oldest course to have this authentic asset. The collection of holes here leaves nothing to be desired, so much in fact that they are replicated across the world. The 190-yard par 3 ‘Redan’ 15th is a beautiful one-shot hole designed to test any golfer’s accuracy.

There is an abundance of Scottish history to be absorbed here and at 6,597 yards, the barrage of coastal winds will certainly make the experience a memorable one. Stepping out onto the tee at the first, you will play the contours of the Broxmouth Estate deer park easing you in with relatively flat and forgiving terrain. Do not be fooled though, as no less than 13 holes are tucked up against the coastline and near to treacherous out-of-bounds that looms over an old stone wall perimeter.

With such prolific neighbours in East Lothian’s Archerfield Estate, there is almost an element of guaranteed perfection when a course is built here. Sculpted from a 300-acre pine forest, the course fits seamlessly into the landscape with many trees still strategically positioned greenside and in the fairways. A fluid connection between the course and coastline is particularly prevalent from holes 9 to 11 as fairways and greens sit tight against the precipice. As with the entirety of our ‘Quick 9, this course has firmly positioned itself among the best golf courses in East Lothian.

You could argue that Mother Nature designed this course, and she certainly had a championship standard in mind. The golfing oasis is made up of a trio of courses, with Gullane No.1 hosting a number of competitions including Open Championship Final Qualifying and the Scottish Open. It comes as no surprise with each hole displaying its own personality; gallop down the fairway at the 3rd, a relatively short par 5 that runs adjacent to an old 18th-century racecourse.

In this corner of East Lothian, between the 8th at Muirfield and the 9th at North Berwick, lies the 7,000-yard Fidra Course at Archerfield Links. Winding its way through the woodland, a sense of seclusion can be felt from the outside world on the first 3 holes. This is before the towering canopy of pine trees overhead slowly opens out into the incredible views of the coast of Fife. Savour every moment of your exclusive Archerfield experience as it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The classy and stylish estate of Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club boasts the amazing James Braid brainchild, the East Course. Set amongst wooded parkland and spread across 1,000 acres, this 6,800-yard championship course is no stranger to a tournament or two, particularly the Solheim Cup where Europe famously came out on top in 1992. You’ll need to stay concentrated throughout though as you approach ‘The Wee Wrecker’ at the 17th, a green surrounded by 5 huge bunkers which could cause chaos with your score in the final stretch.

Just 20 miles east of Edinburgh, in a country where the national passion lies out on the tee, Craigielaw is an incredible modern addition to the East Lothian coastline. The ‘new kid on the block’ has such a natural and effortless fit to the topography and the 6,601-yards of delight are packed with character and personality. Take on the perilous undulating greens as their fast and true nature will challenge any golfer, professionals and amateurs alike.

What better way to spend an afternoon than to visit the 4th oldest club in the world? Despite what its name may suggest, Bruntsfield Links is, in fact, a prime Parkland track. The continuous progression up course rankings in recent years will only continue following a re-design in early 2017 as it plans to further extend its golfing prowess. Look out for the devilish 2nd with a green safely guarded by three bunkers, getting here in regulation will put you and your scorecard in good stead.