LEARN AND PRACTICE GOLF IN EAST LOTHIAN
THE HARDER YOU PRACTICE, THE LUCKIER YOU GET
We talk a lot about golf on the coast. We talk a lot about what there is to do on the coast, if you’re not a golfer. But, what about someone who wants to learn to play golf, or, or a golfer who wants to practice, or improve?
It is no surprise that our members have superb people, professionals and facilities to help beginners learn to play golf, or budding single-figure players become the next Catriona Matthew.
DONALD STEEL’S NEWCOMER
Craigielaw is a good place to start. Opened in 2001, the resort boasts a grass driving range, the Titleist National Fitting Studio, and the 6-hole South Links par 3 course. For that links turf practice and honing your short game, Craigielaw is hard to beat.
The South Links is in fantastic condition and is a wonderful way to practice your bump and runs, controlled wedges into wind and Mickelson lobs. It’s great fun for a group.
The Eric Grandison Golf School is based at Craigielaw too and Eric offers a selection of packages and VIP trips.
THE ART OF THE SHORT GAME
Gullane Golf Club has recently added a fantastic new short game practice area to sit alongside their wonderful golf courses. James Edwards has designed the facility to offer the golfer the opportunity to practice all types of short shot. The team of professionals, led by Alasdair Good will gladly assist.
In the three acres, there is a large green with five ‘pinnable’ areas, designated hitting zones and three bunkers. It is proving popular with both locals and visitors alike.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT DUNBAR
Exciting new practice facilities are also the talk of Dunbar Golf Club. There are plans in place for a new driving range, 9-hole short course and golf academy. A renowned and highly ranked links golf test, the enhancements will make this a truly world-class golf venue.
Having had an ice cream, for those looking for a bit of fun in North Berwick, there are the East Links and West Links putting greens. A 50ft putt from their 18-hole Championship counterparts, it’s clear that North Berwick really is a golf town!
LEARN TO PLAY WITH THE LOCAL EXPERT
A local and big supporter of Scotland’s Golf Coast is PGA professional, Paul Wardell. Based at the Renaissance and North Berwick Golf Club, Paul is a great representation of the level of qualified golf professionals in East Lothian. Losing out to Open Champion, Paul Lawrie in the Scottish Matchplay and winner of 21 Tartan Tour titles, he certainly knows how to play links golf!
EAST LOTHIAN’S TOUR CHAMPIONS
We have a couple of successful tour players at the moment too, in Gabrielle Macdonald and Grant Forrest. Both winners in 2021, they will be hoping for more in 2022. They have been brought up in East Lothian and they have perfected their swings at all the great ranges and short-game areas across the region.
It’s important to note that East Lothian embraces every golfer. The junior programmes are strong, Get Into Golf initiatives are plentiful and tailored women golfer courses are on offer.
