3 MORE GREAT LINKS GOLF COURSES TO TRY NEAR EDINBURGH
If you’re looking to play on a classic Scottish links golf course near Edinburgh, you’re in luck – here are 3 more of the 21 beautiful golf courses in nearby East Lothian, aka Scotland’s Golf Coast. With plenty of accommodation options near all the courses, this is a golfer’s paradise.
Having celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2022, if you want an historic links golf course, then Musselburgh Links ticks all the boxes.
One of the original Open venues, Musselburgh hosted the Open six times between 1874 and 1889, with Willie Park Jr winning in 1889.
The earliest documentation of golf being playing on Musselburgh Links is from 1672, which has earned Musselburgh Links the Guinness World Record for being the oldest golf course in the world. However, it has been reputed that Mary, Queen of Scots played on Musselburgh even earlier in 1567.
Musselburgh Links was originally seven holes, with another added in 1838 and the full nine-holes coming into play in 1870. The first three holes stretched eastwards from the grandstand at the racecourse, the site of the former clubhouse of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, now at Muirfield.
To enjoy the full experience, pick up a set of hickories and play the course like Mungo Park did in 1874. If you have a day off, why not head to Musselburgh races too. The golf course is inside the racecourse, a truly unique venue.
There are few better views in East Lothian. Whilst relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the coast, count how many golf courses you can spot, Edinburgh in the distance and Fife across the Forth. A luxury bed and breakfast, with the finest food and drink, and a spa.
Voted by guests as the No.1 place to stay in East Lothian on TripAdvisor, Garleton Lodge offers some great Stay & Play packages here
Originally across Aberlady Bay on the Luffness Estate and known as Luffness Golf Club, Kilspindie arrived at its new site in 1898 and became Kilspindie Golf Club in 1899. The 35th oldest golf club in the world, Kilspindie nestles between the nature reserve, Craigielaw and the Forth.
Designed by Willie Park Jr. and Ben Sayers, the course truly embraces all the elements. A course that starts with a par 3, holes 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 are particularly open to the wind, as they hug the coastline.
The course’s history is further demonstrated by hole names Magazine and Target, referencing Kilspindie’s use pre and during the First World War as a rifle range for the local territorial army.
In modern terms, Kilspindie is reasonably short. However, thanks to its location and its subtle designs, the course offers a unique challenge for golfers of all ability. Look west to Edinburgh and Arthur’s Seat, then east to Bass Rock and North Sea beyond. Spectacular!
Situated in the heart of Aberlady, Duck’s was built in 1638. Comfortable rooms, a famously cosy bar and fine dining combine to create a true golfer’s retreat. The walls are bedecked in flags and golf memorabilia, and the bar stool putting is not to be missed.
Have a look at the special Stay & Play packages available at Duck’s here
Winterfield is the furthest of these three courses from Edinburgh, but is still only 50 minutes away. Don’t forget, all 21 courses on the coast are within 20 minutes of each other.
Winterfield is a lesser-known links golf course and does play second fiddle rankings-wise slightly to its Dunbar neighbour. However, from a value for money point of view and location, it is hard to beat. It’s a lot of fun.
Stood on the 1st tee, not only will you have arguably the most challenging opening hole on Scotland’s Golf Coast, but also views across to Bass Rock, Isle of May, North Sea and Barns Ness Lighthouse.
The course is framed beautifully by the Lammermuir Hills and Belhaven Beach and as you’d expect, the weather changes from hour to hour and from day to day. The beauty of Scottish links golf in 18 holes.
A golfer’s paradise. 30 bedrooms, 18 holes of links golf, a 6-hole par 3 course, grass driving range, putting green and all within a two-minute walk of each other. A one-stop shop, or a great base to explore the region.
Have a look at the special Stay & Play packages available at Duck’s here
