BROADENING SCOTLAND’S GOLF COAST’S HORIZONS
East Lothian is known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. With 21 courses to suit all budgets and all abilities. From bucket list to hidden gems, we have something for everyone! What we also have, are fantastic neighbours. When it comes to golf, the Scottish Borders, and across the border in Northumberland, their coasts offer a great addition making Scotland’s Golf Coast the No1 Golf Destination.
Accessibility is key. From Edinburgh to Newcastle, we have it covered. Take your pick of destination for a short break, stop off at the many courses en route, or take a longer trip, incorporating the very best of both English and Scottish links golf. A veritable cornucopia and smorgasbord of golfing delight. With 25 courses along 100 miles of stunning coastline, that’s a golf course every four miles! The Scottish Borders and Northumberland coast provide a great Gateway to Scotland – and Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
The first golf course appeared on the links of Embleton Bay in 1900, before being redesigned by the legendary James Braid. A traditional links course, guarded with bunkers and gorse, golfers need to judge the ever-changing wind direction as the course bends around the bay and back. After the dogleg third, holes four to ten hug the coast in the direction of the castle.
Located in an ‘Area of Outstanding Beauty’, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club was originally opened to provide entertainment for guests at the nearby Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel. It was in 1919 that Sir Arthur. Munro Sutherland purchased the estate. In his plans were a remodelling of the original nine, followed by an extension to 18 holes. In 1920, James Braid began his input, however the course ultimately took another two decades to complete.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
With the backdrop of the Grade 1 listed 11th century Bamburgh Castle, the coastal classic, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is one of the most scenic in Britain. The views extend past the castle to Lindisfarne, the Cheviots and the North Sea. Newcastle and the ferry are only an hour and ten minutes away, with Edinburgh an hour and forty-five minutes.
The course is the definition of entertainment. It may be short, but it’s tricky. There are not many golf courses that start with two par 3s, followed by two par 5s. George Rochester, the professional at Alnmouth, designed the course, opening in 1904.
The par 68 has seen a few changes, but most of the existing design is in place. The natural ups and downs, contours and hollows come into play throughout the course, but play well, and there is a good score to be had.
Goswick, Northumberland
Midway between Edinburgh and Newcastle, nestled amidst windswept dunes on avast expanse of stunning Northumberland coastline, Goswick is a James Braid masterpiece where golf is played as it was meant — on true links land in all its glory.
This 134-year-old treasure is a little remote. However, that’s one of the many attributes that makes it so special. Golfers who seek it out will be rewarded with an escape from reality to one of the 50 best courses in England (National Club Golfer) and one of the top 100 links in Great Britain & Ireland (Golf World).
It’s also one of the world’s few pure fescue links with fairways that deliver a lively bounce and greens that roll fast and true year-round.
Eyemouth, Scottish Borders
Located on the cliff tops of the spectacular Berwickshire coastline, Eyemouth is unique in that it is the only coastal course in the Scottish Borders. Only 70 minutes from Edinburgh, and a little over an hour and a half from Newcastle, Eyemouth is Scotland’s gateway golf course.
It is the 6th and 13th holes that receive the acclaim, but the course boasts 18 challenging holes that can be played year- round. The 6th is in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 Golf Holes in the UK, with the tee perched on one side of a gaping drop to the sea below.
Meanwhile, the 13th is Scotland’s longest hole off the tiger tees, 656 yards to be precise. Designed in 1894, the course hugs the rugged coastline, mixing a links and parkland feel. A 9-hole course for over 100 years, the current 18-hole layout was unveiled in 1997.
Why Choose The Borders and Northumberland
With a spectacular coast, the Borders and Northumberland golf courses benefit from their drier location on the east. The towns of Eyemouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Seahouses and Alnwick have an array of pubs, bars and restaurants so they are a great base. However, the two regions can be enjoyed on their own, or as part of a longer trip including Scotland’s Golf Coast. With the Holy Island of Lindisfarne a short and unique walk across the sand when the tide allows, together with Northumberland’s 70 castle sites, there is plenty to see and do off the golf course.
