The secret golf courses of Scotland's Golf Coast

FIVE LESSER-KNOWN COURSES NOT TO BE MISSED ON SCOTLAND’S GOLF COAST

With the greatest concentration of Championship links golf courses in the world, Scotland’s Golf Coast is used to receiving acclaim. There are not many regions that can boast 22 Open Championships and six out of the past eight Scottish Opens. The world-renowned Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield also hosted the AIG Women’s Open this year. But, what about the secret golf courses of Scotland’s Golf Coast?

The iconic images of the Bass Rock, hovering resplendent behind the 18^th at North Berwick, alongside the beckoning silhouette of Edinburgh framing Gullane Hill are instantly recognisable by golfers globally.

With 21 courses in East Lothian, the region is blessed with a selection of courses to suit all budgets and all abilities. The beauty of golf in Scotland is that there is always a unique and unknown experience just around the corner. Scotland’s Golf Coast is no exception, with several ‘lesser-known’ courses which are both amazing, but also a little lighter on the pocket! The secret golf courses of Scotland’s Golf Coast. Here are five, but we must recommend a full look at our golf course section to fully understand the extent of our golf.

The Musselburgh

Previously known as Monktonhall, the James Braid designed Open qualifier is the first on Scotland’s Golf Coast out of Edinburgh. Established in 1938, Braid decided the course needed length. Over the years the course has introduced tees to suit all standards of golfer and it is known for its wide fairways and excellent greens.

Royal Musselburgh

The sixth oldest golf club in the world, Royal Musselburgh is steeped in history. The Old Club Cup dating back to 1774 is still played for annually. Another James Braid course, the club is also the home of the original ‘hole-cutter’. It was in 1829 that the device was invented and is still on display at the club. 41/4 inches (10.8 centimetres) that has millions of golfers scratching their heads.

Gullane No.3

A golf club with one top ranked course is lucky. One with two is spoiled. One with three is just greedy! But, that’s Gullane. Gullane 1 hosted the Scottish Open in 2015 and 2018 and Gullane 2 is a popular championship course. The slightly shorter, but no less challenging No3 is often overlooked because of its esteemed brother and sister, but this is links golf at its purest. The need for shot creativity is at an optimum.

Winterfield

Jutting out into the North Sea is Winterfield Golf Club. A public golf course, the value for money is second to none. With Dunbar nestling alongside, the Bass Rock in the distance and the Barns Ness lighthouse on the horizon, fingers crossed the wind is not too strong. Off the back tees, the first is a 220-yard carry across a ravine and there are eight par 3s, but only one is under 170 yards.

Gifford

In the region, there is no better secret golf course than the unfathomably unknown, yet fun and amazing value 9-holer at Gifford. The Lammermuir Hills as a backdrop and the Firth of Forth in the distance, the scene is set. Laid out in 1904, there have been only four head greenkeepers. The mature woodland and quality turf have created a course that is welcoming, yet challenging enough to entice you post-morning on the links.