Best golf courses in Edinburgh and East Lothian

Ranked the 2nd best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: Gullane, East Lothian | Designer: Old Tom Morris (with later refinements by Harry Colt) | Par: 71 | Length: 7,245 yards | Founded: 1744 (The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) | Course type: Links

Why play here? Muirfield is one of the purest and best links golf courses in the world. Unlike many traditional links, the course is laid out in two loops, with the front nine running clockwise and the back nine counterclockwise. This unique routing ensures the wind is constantly changing direction, testing every aspect of your game.

Set among the rolling terrain of East Lothian, Muirfield is renowned for its strategic design, immaculate conditioning and understated difficulty. It rewards thoughtful shot-making and precision over power, making it a favourite among purists and professionals alike.

Highlight: The par-5 17th is a risk-and-reward classic, where a well-placed drive opens up the chance to reach in two, but anything offline can quickly lead to dropped shots late in the round.

Key features:

• Host of The Open Championship 16 times
• Unique routing ensures constantly shifting wind conditions
• Exceptional conditioning with firm fairways and fast, true greens
• Rich history as the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers

Bonus fact: Muirfield has crowned some of golf’s greatest champions, including Jack Nicklaus, who famously described his 1966 Open victory here as one of the finest of his career.

Ranked the 6th best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: North Berwick, East Lothian | Designer: Original links dating back to the 17th century, with contributions from Ben Sayers | Par: 71 | Length: 6,642 yards | Founded: 1832 | Course type: Links

Why play here? The West Links at North Berwick is one of the most fun, quirky and historic golf courses in the world. Set along the Firth of Forth with stunning coastal views, it offers a truly authentic links experience shaped by centuries of evolution rather than modern redesign.

Famous for its unique holes and bold design features, North Berwick rewards creativity and imagination. Blind shots, stone walls, natural contours and unpredictable bounces all play a part, making every round memorable and different from the last.

Highlight: The par-4 13th, “Pit”, is one of the most iconic holes in golf, featuring a stone wall in front of the green that forces a precise approach or a clever bounce shot to find the putting surface.

Key features:

• One of the oldest golf courses in the world, with roots dating back centuries
• Renowned for its quirky, strategic design and natural links terrain
• Spectacular coastal setting with views across the Firth of Forth
• A true test of creativity, requiring shot-making rather than power

Bonus fact: The famous “Redan” hole at North Berwick, the par-3 15th, is one of the most copied hole designs in golf, replicated at courses across the world including Royal Liverpool and National Golf Links of America.

Ranked the 37th best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: Dunbar, East Lothian | Designer: Old Tom Morris | Par: 70 | Length: 6,594 yards | Founded: 1856 | Course type: Links

Why play here? Dunbar Golf Club is one of Scotland’s finest hidden gem links courses, offering a classic seaside test just along the coast from North Berwick. Running alongside the rugged shoreline of the Firth of Forth, the course combines traditional links character with dramatic coastal scenery.

Designed by Old Tom Morris, Dunbar features firm fairways, natural contours and well-placed bunkering that reward accuracy and thoughtful shot selection. The ever-present coastal winds add an extra layer of challenge, ensuring no two rounds feel the same.

Highlight: The par-3 13th is a standout, played along the coastline with the sea in full view. Club selection is key, as the wind can turn a straightforward hole into a real challenge.

Key features:

• Classic Old Tom Morris design with authentic links characteristics
• Stunning coastal holes running alongside the Firth of Forth
• Firm, fast fairways and natural undulating greens
• A true hidden gem offering championship-quality golf without the crowds

Bonus fact: Dunbar has hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, underlining the quality of the test despite its reputation as one of Scotland’s lesser-known links venues.

Ranked the 22nd best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: Gullane, East Lothian | Designer: Willie Park Jr. (with earlier origins dating back to 1884) | Par: 71 | Length: 6,828 yards | Founded: 1884 | Course type: Links

Why play here? Gullane No.1 is a superb championship links that combines breathtaking views with a varied and challenging layout. Set across Gullane Hill, the course offers elevated tee shots, rolling fairways and panoramic views over the Firth of Forth, making it one of the most scenic rounds in East Lothian.

The layout blends classic links terrain with a slightly more open feel in places, rewarding strong ball-striking while still demanding creativity in the wind. Its variety of holes, from exposed hilltop challenges to tighter coastal stretches, ensures a memorable and well-rounded test.

Highlight: The opening stretch climbs Gullane Hill, with the par-5 4th offering a thrilling downhill approach and spectacular views, setting the tone for a round full of visual and strategic interest.

Key features:

• Host venue for the Scottish Open and Final Qualifying for The Open Championship
• Elevated terrain providing some of the best views in Scottish golf
• A varied layout combining open and traditional links characteristics
• Consistently excellent conditioning with fast, undulating greens

Bonus fact: Gullane No.1 has hosted some of the world’s best players during the Scottish Open, with its exposed hilltop holes providing a true test of links golf in the wind.

Location: Kirknewton, Edinburgh | Designer: James Braid | Par: 73 | Length: 7,340 yards | Founded: 1927 | Course type: Parkland

Why play here? The East Course at Dalmahoy offers a classic parkland contrast to Scotland’s famous links layouts. Designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid, the course is set within the expansive grounds of Dalmahoy Hotel, just outside Edinburgh, with stunning views towards the city and Edinburgh Castle.

Wide fairways and gently undulating terrain make it playable off the tee, but strategically placed bunkers and large, subtly contoured greens demand accuracy on approach. It’s a traditional, well-balanced test that rewards solid all-round golf.

Highlight: The par-5 16th is a standout, offering a risk-and-reward opportunity to reach in two, but with bunkers and subtle slopes ready to punish anything less than a well-executed approach.

Key features:

• Classic James Braid design with traditional parkland character
• Set within the grounds of a four-star hotel, ideal for stay-and-play breaks
• Wide fairways paired with strategically positioned bunkers
• Host of the 1992 Solheim Cup

Bonus fact: Dalmahoy’s East Course has hosted the Scottish PGA Championship and remains one of the finest inland tests in the Edinburgh area.

Ranked the 67th best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: Aberlady, East Lothian | Designer: Donald Steel | Par: 71 | Length: 6,601 yards | Founded: 2001 | Course type: Links

Why play here? Craigielaw offers a more modern take on traditional Scottish links golf, combining classic coastal terrain with contemporary design. Set along the shores of Aberlady Bay, the course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering and large, undulating greens that place a premium on approach play and putting.

While more forgiving off the tee than some of its famous neighbours, Craigielaw still provides a strong test, particularly when the coastal winds pick up. Its layout encourages positive, attacking golf while rewarding thoughtful course management.

Highlight: The par-3 14th is a standout hole, requiring a precise tee shot over natural links terrain to a well-guarded green, with the wind often playing a decisive role.

Key features:

• Modern links design by Donald Steel with classic influences
• Wide fairways balanced by strategic bunkering and large greens
• Coastal setting with views over Aberlady Bay
• Playable for a range of abilities while still offering a strong challenge

Bonus fact: Craigielaw is home to one of Scotland’s only Korean-style halfway houses, offering a unique and memorable stop during your round.

Ranked the 90th best golf course in Scotland by Top 100 Golf Courses in 2025 Location: Barnton, Edinburgh | Designer: Willie Park Jr. | Par: 71 | Length: 6,400 yards | Founded: 1761 | Course type: Parkland / Heathland

Why play here? Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society offers a classic inland test just outside Edinburgh, combining parkland and heathland characteristics with a strong emphasis on precision and strategy. Despite its historic name, the course is located at Barnton and provides a peaceful, tree-lined setting that contrasts beautifully with nearby coastal links.

Renowned for its exceptional conditioning, the course features firm fairways, heather-lined rough and some of the best greens in Scotland. It’s a thinking golfer’s layout, where accuracy and course management are far more important than power.

Highlight: The par-4 12th is a standout, requiring a precise tee shot to avoid trouble before a demanding approach to a well-protected green.

Key features:

• One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, founded in 1761
• Beautifully maintained with outstanding putting surfaces
• A strategic layout that rewards accuracy over distance
• Peaceful inland setting just minutes from Edinburgh

Bonus fact: Although the club is now based at Barnton, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society traces its origins back to play on Bruntsfield Links in central Edinburgh, making it one of the oldest organised golf clubs in the world.

Best time to visit:

April to October is the prime season for golf in Edinburgh and East Lothian, with long daylight hours, firm playing conditions and courses in their best shape. May and June are particularly popular thanks to milder weather and fewer crowds, while July and August bring peak-season demand alongside major events like The Open and the Scottish Open. Spring and autumn can offer excellent value, though you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and the ever-present coastal breeze.

Where to stay: Edinburgh and East Lothian offer a great mix of city hotels, coastal stays and golf-focused accommodation options, many of which provide easy access to some of Scotland’s top courses. Popular options include:

• Marine North Berwick – A fantastic coastal base overlooking the famous West Links, with easy access to Muirfield, Gullane and surrounding courses
• Greywalls Hotel (Gullane) – A classic and highly regarded stay located beside Muirfield, offering a traditional golf trip experience
• Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club – A convenient stay-and-play option just outside Edinburgh, with two on-site courses and great access to the wider region

If you’re looking to play multiple courses across East Lothian, basing yourself in North Berwick or Gullane keeps you close to many of the area’s best layouts. Alternatively, Edinburgh is an ideal base for those wanting to combine championship golf with a vibrant city experience, offering a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options.

Booking tips:

• Plan early – Tee times at courses like Muirfield, North Berwick and The Renaissance Club are limited and book up well in advance, especially in peak season
• Mix course styles – Combine classic links with inland layouts like Dalmahoy or Bruntsfield for a more varied trip
• Allow for travel time – While East Lothian courses are relatively close, planning your route in advance helps maximise time on the course
• Be flexible – Midweek and later tee times can offer better availability
• Pack for all conditions – Even in summer, coastal winds and changing weather are part of the experience

Q: When is the best time to play golf in Edinburgh and East Lothian? A: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the best combination of weather, daylight and course conditions, making it ideal for multiple rounds.

Q: Can I play championship or tour-level courses here? A: Yes – Muirfield has hosted The Open multiple times, while The Renaissance Club regularly hosts the Genesis Scottish Open, attracting many of the world’s best players.

Q: Are the courses close together? A: Yes. East Lothian is known as “Scotland’s Golf Coast” for a reason, with many top courses located within a short drive of each other, making it perfect for multi-round itineraries.

Q: Are there stay-and-play options available? A: Yes, there are a number of resorts and hotels offering convenient access to nearby courses, and Golfbreaks can tailor packages to suit your trip.

Q: Is links golf suitable for all abilities? A: Absolutely. While championship tees can be demanding, most courses offer multiple tee options, making them enjoyable for a wide range of golfers. Wind and course management play a big role, adding to the experience for all skill levels.

Edinburgh and East Lothian offer one of the most complete golf experiences in Scotland, blending historic links, modern championship venues and high-quality inland courses within a compact and accessible region. With stunning coastal scenery, world-class golf and the added appeal of Edinburgh’s vibrant city life, it’s a destination that caters to every type of golf trip. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list rounds or building a varied itinerary, this stretch of Scotland delivers unforgettable golf at every turn.